MARTHA VOETBERG (BULLEE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARTHA VOETBERG (nee BULLEE) It is with sad but peaceful hearts that we announce the passing of Martha Voetberg on September 12, 2010 after a long period of declining health. Martha will be greatly missed by John, her husband of 53 years; her daughter Debbie McAteer; and grandson Adam McAteer. She will also be missed by her sister Tanya Laurie (Jim); brother Melvin Bullee (Cheryl); her special niece Val (Rob); her uncle Bill; and very close friends, Erika and John; and new friend Bob. She is also survived by brother-in-law Ralph (Jean); sister-in-law Rita (Pete), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Martha was predeceased by her son Garry; parents, Anna and Abraham Bullee; brother-in-law Jim Laurie; and nephew Darren Voetberg. Martha grew up in St. Norbert on the family farm where she amassed many memories to create entertaining, humourous and some tragic stories (losing the family home to flood) that she would share at family gatherings. After she married John, they moved to his family farm in St. Adolphe where they started their own family before moving to West St. Paul nine years later. From there they continued to move north to St. Andrews where Martha became the bookkeeper for John's welding business; making them even closer partners in life. Martha was very talented at sewing and crocheting many beautiful things until her arthritis made it too difficult to continue; thus forcing her to become a whiz at doing crosswords. Having a green thumb, she also created beautiful flower beds and vegetable gardens. Martha will be lovingly remembered as a devoted Grandma to her cherished grandson Adam whom she babysat and went on many vacations to BC and Florida with him. She also was her daughter's best friend. Martha had a knack for getting right to the heart of matters and speaking her mind, making her perhaps one of the most honest people around. She was also known for her generous hospitality as she prepared many dinners for family and friends. Even if someone dropped in unannounced, she would say. I'll just add another potato to the pot . Over the last 10 months, Martha certainly made John realize and appreciate all she did for him over the years as he was thrust into the role of Johnny homemaker . Martha will be forever cherished for her inner strength, kindness, many talents and devotion to her family. In keeping with Martha's wishes, cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2010