Jean Sophia (Johnson) Martin
1934 - 2021
Jean Sophia (Johnson) Martin
Visitation Information
Visitation
December 3, 2021
Visitation Time
2-8 PM
Visitation Location
Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro
Service Information
Service Date
Saturday December 4, 2021
Service Time
11:00 AM
Service Location
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Church Road, Millbrook First Nation
Burial Information
Burial Date
Spring 2022
Burial Location
Sacred Heart Cemetery, Millbrook First Nation
Requested Charity
St. Anne's Pilgrimage Fund
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Jean Sophia (Johnson) Martin – 87, Millbrook First Nation. Wikma, Jean Sophia Martin, Millbrook (We’kwapekwitk) ekinua’taqɨtijik Jeano’q weli npɨksɨpnaq, tekweyaɨspnika wikmaqa ta’n kesite’lma’tita. Nepkɨsnag eksitpu’kek Kweltamultimk, Keptewiku’s, te’sukunikek 26, 2021. Etlinpɨksɨpnaq Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, NS. O’ Sape’win Nukumijinen Sent A’n, alasutmelsewiek. The family of Jean Sophia Martin of Millbrook First Nation announce that Jean passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love, in the early morning of Friday, November, 26, 2021, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Jean was born in Dort’s Cove, Guysborough County, a place dear to her heart, to Andrew and Mary (Sylliboy) Johnson. She grew up speaking Mi'kmaw, and held her identity and language dear throughout her life.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, Bennett Michael "Ben" Martin; beloved grandson, Thomas Gabriel Clifford; parents-in-law, Michael George Martin (Marian) and Mary Agnes Martin; brothers, Stanley Johnson, Robert "Bobby" Johnson; sisters, Mary Bridget Gloade, Lena Madeline Johnson; brothers-in-law, Gilbert Martin, Michael "Mickey" Martin, Eddy Ellis, John Kenneth "Kenny" Martin, Levi Gloade, Jim DeCoste, Jim Walsh; sisters-in-law, Beatrice Martin, Theresa Francis and Doris Ellis; Godchild, Lester Gloade.

Jean is survived by her sisters, Annie Elizabeth Goodwin, Florence Susan Walsh, Dorothy Mae Bohez; brothers, James Bernard "Jim" Johnson, Lloyd Douglas Johnson; sisters-in-law, Gloria Martin, Jane Johnson, Carol Johnson. Jean was blessed with a remarkable lifelong bond with her brothers and sisters. She was the loving mother to her children, Michael John Martin (Bernadette), Mary Louise Martin (the late Gordon Hanson), Catherine Anne Martin (Frank Clifford), Paul Leo Martin (Anne Jesse), Cynthia Elizabeth Martin (Al Bianchi), Anne Marie Martin (James Carroll), Theresa Jean Martin, William "Billy" Andrew Martin (Kate); grandchildren, Sean, Brian, Gillian, Christopher, Alex, Natalie, April, Mary Anne, Annie Rose, Dennis, Rita Marie, Brenda, Nathan, Hannah, Emily; great grandchildren, Lyrica, North, Marshal, Macy, Emma, Maddox, Amelia, Isla, Ewan, Harrison; great-great grandchild, Arwen; Godchildren, Timmy Martin, Jacklyn Paul, Ralph Stevens, Margaret Walsh; many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

After spending an idyllic childhood with her family at her grandmother Sophie’s homestead in Dort’s Cove, Jean moved with her family to Millbrook in 1943. Around that time, Ben declared she was the most beautiful girl in Millbrook, and he hoped to marry her someday. When he left Millbrook to begin his career in the U.S.A, their story was only just beginning. She attended the Convent in Meteghan, joining the Congregation des Enfants de Marie in 1951, a time she treasured for the rest of her life. After one year at the Convent, she returned to Millbrook to help her mother take care of the family. At age 17, she was the first Mi’kmaw woman to work at Sobeys in Truro.

In 1953, Ben, now a U.S. Marine, in dress blues, flew in on a single engine plane to marry Jean in Truro; he was famously late for the occasion, landing at Bible Hill Flying Club. They left soon after the wedding to begin a new life in the U.S.A., raising their family in Virginia, Florida and Massachusetts. She was very proud of her home in Maynard, MA, where lots of family memories were made. Jean was grateful that Ben provided for their family, allowing her to raise the children. She did it with class, never foregoing her lipstick and composure. Her love of children was universal; she gave many, beyond her own, the experience of unconditional love.

In 1980, Ben and Jean returned to Nova Scotia to live in River John, and later back to Millbrook. Together, and in partnership with family members, they built and ran the Abenaki Motel and The Country Basket. She later worked as a teacher’s aide at St. Mary’s School, co-founded Millbrook Lunch Program, started her own catering and decorating business for community events, and worked for Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre. She brought her special touch to everything she did, and was a gentle teacher to many. 

Jean always stood up for others; she would never be silent in the presence of injustice. She was brave, beautiful, timeless, adventurous and ever-patient. She loved gardening, crocheting, basket-making and spending time with all of us. She had many cherished friendships and will be fondly remembered. She enjoyed playing bingo and visiting the casino with her brothers and sisters. Ben would say, Jean always won, because "she is an angel". She was our best friend, and everyone who knew "Aunt Jean" had a best friend in her. 

Our sincere thanks to the health care workers and medical team who attended to Jean, with special thanks to Dr. Blois, Tanas, Suzette, Kayla, Sheila, Millbrook Community and Health Centre, Patsy Paul-Martin, Jane Abram and the Millbrook prayer group. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Jean’s family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Church Road, Millbrook First Nation, Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. (Please note that proof of double vaccination and photo identification will be requested prior to entry to the funeral home for visitation and at the church for the Mass and masks must be worn at all times; thank you for your co-operation and understanding.) Webcast of the Mass will be available at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021; click on the above link.

Spring interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery. If so desired, donations in Jean’s memory to St. Anne’s Pilgrimage Fund are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Jean’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

 Nimu’ltes Kiju, gesalul. M’sit Nokomaq

Jean Sophia (Johnson) Martin