Martha Florence (Cummiskey) Kennedy (RN Retired) – 77, Truro, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, November 6, 2015, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, as a result of complications from a stroke. Born November 7, 1937, in Johnstons River, Prince Edward Island, a suburb of Charlottetown, she was the second daughter of the late John Thomas and Margaret Helen (MacEachern) Cummiskey.
Martha grew up in Charlottetown and was a competent basketball player and a provincial runner; she was active in a variety of sports. Martha attended St. Joseph Convent and Notre Dame Academy and graduated from both of these schools. She attended and graduated from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in 1962 and was class valedictorian. She held a diploma in nursing unit administration and was head nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital until 1975 and then moved to Truro with her husband and two children.
In Truro, Martha was very involved in all areas of Parish life and was a valued member of Immaculate Conception Choir, past chairperson of Liturgy, past vice president of Parish Council, taught Religious Education for ten years, involved in Cursillo, days of Enrichment and a Lay presider. She had been an Associate of the C.N.D. Community for over 30 years, was involved in grief courses and other programs for women in the church and was co-ordinator for music for Funeral Liturgies for over 30 years. She journeyed with P.R.H. Pedagogy and this served as a great way of growth during her lifetime. Affirmation was very important to Martha and she believed each person should be made aware of his or her goodness and hence she would like her legacy to be "an affirmer of people".
Martha is survived by her daughter, Marjorie Helen Kennedy; son, Mallory John Kennedy; granddaughter, Lee-Marie; sister-in-law, Connie Cummiskey; niece, Michele (Barry) O’Regan; nephews, Tony (Joanne) Cummiskey and John (Shelley) Cummiskey. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Russell Joseph Kennedy (March 2015); sister, Sister Mary Cummiskey, C.N.D.; brother, Joseph J. Cummiskey; sister-in-law, Peggy Cummiskey; many life giving friends and relatives.
Martha’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, November 8, 2015, in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Our Lady’s Chapel), 669 Prince Street, Truro, and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2 p.m., Monday, November 9, 2015, Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. Reception will follow in Campbell Hall. Interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. If so desired, donations in Martha’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Martha’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
