VIRGINIA MARTIN

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• Gini was a long-standing member of a feminist book club which I attended with her for many years. I benefited from her intelligent and far-reaching presentations. She was fully active, taking a major role in all aspects of the club until hospitalized in the the final week. Her influence and encouragement often lead us to read authors of important books about marginalized people, making us better informed. She was always open to conversations about tough topics. Gini took a personal interest in people she met. I recall receiving a mailed poem or reference after a comment at a meeting and once being invited to her home to watch a movie on a topic of interest. She listened to what people said and supported others interests. Gini was an effective activist on many issues. I recall how hard she worked, single-handedly, to have a bronze bust of Francophone author, Gabriel Roy, installed in Assiniboine Park with other notable Manitobans. It is with great sadness that I heard of Gini's passing. I miss her greatly. My condolences to Tim, Sarah and the family. Helen Forrest - Posted by: Helen Forrest (friend) on: Feb 04, 2024

• Gini has always been a support both personally and professionally to me. A support to our children and always interested in everything. We have many happy memories of her and Bob. She was a friend and mentor to so many. - Posted by: Cara Windle (Friend) on: Jan 16, 2024

• Dear Tim and Sarah - Offering you and your family our deepest condolences on the passing of your amazing mother. She was a force be reckoned with and it was a privilege to know her and get a taste of her passion for history, words, literature, current events and social justice. Wishing you courage and strength at this difficult time and do let us know if there's anything at all we can do to be supportive. Ishkandar, Gisèle and Marcel - Posted by: Gisèle Yasmeen (In-law) on: Jan 14, 2024

• It was an honor to know Gini. She was recognized as a pinnacle member of our profession. Gini‘s contributions to Speech and Language Pathology as a practicing clinician, as a writer, researcher and enthusiastic contributor to any area will always be remembered. - Posted by: Monica Gompf (Colleague) on: Jan 13, 2024

• I thank my friend Pat Gamvrelis, in Winnipeg who sent the sad news of Gini's passing. I met Gini at a Canadian Speech-Language & Audiology convention in 1977 & we continued our friendship at many others. Gini had a wonderful sense of humour but little did some of us know, that through this humour, she cajoled us to join national/provincial committes, write articles for Here Here/Communique & work to make our professions recognized by governments. Her many years of researching histories of all the provincial associations was finally accepted & published. My last contact from her was just before her 92 birthday! I will miss our email "chats". My condolences to her family, you had an exceptional mother, grandmother & great grandmother! - Posted by: Maria Tuchscherer (Friend/colleague ) on: Jan 13, 2024

• I met Gini when I was the chair of our national professional association. Her knowledge about the history of the speech-language profession was so extensive and interesting. Her passion and enthusiasm were contagious and appreciated. - Posted by: Judy Meintzer (Colleague) on: Jan 13, 2024

• My deepest condolences to Gini's children and their families. I have the privilege of getting to know Gini at the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of Winnipeg in the last few years. She was the utmost caring person that I have known. She always kept in touch with many of the congregants when they were going through a difficult time, or a significant event was happening for them by sending beautiful cards and notes, or emails. Her words of encouragement, Congratulations or gratitude were always appreciated. I was fortunate to be at the receiving end of her generosity and caring in several occasions. She also wrote a monthly article for the Church Newsletter on the history of the UU Ministers and other professionals in Canada. She was genuinely curious about everyone she met and appreciated diverse perspectives and views. She was the voice of wisdom and reason in many circles. Gini and I were planning for a tea time in the new year. I am very saddened that it won't happen. May Gini's love and legacy live on. With love and caring to the family, her friends and colleagues, and her UU Community. ~Esmat - Posted by: Esmat Elhami (friend ) on: Jan 13, 2024

• I first met Gini in early 1971 at the Child Guidance Clinic. We were co-workers in the SLP Department of the clinic for many years. She was one of the best and most enthusiastic speech/language pathologists I have ever known. Chuck - Posted by: Charles Dunham (co-worker) on: Jan 12, 2024

• Gini was an inspiration to me when I first joined the Child Guidance Clinic. She was an expert speech-language pathologist for students with hearing impairments and for students with physical and intellectual handicaps. She not only shared her knowledge generously, but she also shared a bottle of champagne with me at my first Manitoba Speech and Hearing convention in 1977! - Posted by: Margaret Ellis (Friend and Colleague) on: Jan 12, 2024

• Gini was an inspiration to all of us new SLP's in Manitoba. She was so dedicated to our profession and convinced many of us to work with her on committees to better ourselves as therapists. Her enthusiasm and energy and caring are my best memories of her. After I left Manitoba, I would run into her at different conferences and association meetings and it was always a pleasure. My condolences to her family and may her memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Jacquee Glance (Colleague ) on: Jan 12, 2024

• Tim and Sarah, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. As you know she was a very passionate person about the professions both at the provincial and local level right until the end. She inspired me about being involved in our profession and not just practicing in it. A gracious host and many a cup of tea was shared at Oxford Street with her and your father. She was very proud of her family, an outspoken and kind person and I will miss her. Maureen Penko. - Posted by: Maureen Penko (Friend and colleague ) on: Jan 12, 2024

• I met Gini at the very beginning of my career. She was kind to a new SLP and became someone I looked forward to chatting with every time our paths crossed. She gave so much to our profession and to the children she worked with. - Posted by: Joanna Blais (Former colleague) on: Jan 12, 2024