DR. MARTHA JO (MJ) WILLARD

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• I met and worked with MJ in the early '80's, in the Emergency Clinic, as a new AHT grad. Her dedication and humour inspired many new vets and technicians. We were friends and spent many hours talking before life took us in different directions. I am saddened that I did not know of her passing. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Eileen Swerdyliak (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2025

• MJ and I spent a lot of time together in veterinary school. She was a class ahead of me. She started me out in Labradors, giving me my beloved Tiger. RIP MJ. - Posted by: Sara Thornton (Vet school ) on: Jun 30, 2024

• I worked with MJ for many years but we quickly became family. She was always so caring and looking after everyone in her life. She always fought her patients needs. She was the type of doctor that you could picture her running out the door with her little black bag to do a late night visit and she did. Her love of animals was like no other. When she spoke of her travels it was usually the animals she spoke of first and the culture second. She and I often discussed politics and social issues. My favorite conversations were her stories of her childhood. Although she faced many heartbreaking challenges she never let it hold her back. Her stubbornness was her success. I'll forever be grateful for knowing you and the love you had for my family. - Posted by: Lindsay Keeler (Friend) on: Aug 02, 2023

• Martha was my long time friend since junior high in Lebanon. She was so smart, compassionate, caring person to everyone. We both shared our love of horses and spent fun times riding. Becoming a veterinarian was a natural for her. I treasure her friendship and send my condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Rhonda Hamer Hunt (Long time friend) on: Jul 27, 2023

• I met MJ working at the Winnipeg Animal Emergency Hospital in 1986. I was a newbie graduate trying to find my way as a veterinarian. MJ was always willing to offer advice and help. She was forthright but kind. I learned a lot from her and was amazed at all she did in her life. She will be remembered. - Posted by: Rhonda Stockburger (collegue) on: Jul 18, 2023

• On behalf of the MVMA and all of Dr. Willard’s colleagues, we send out our heartfelt condolences on her passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Keri Hudson Reykdal (Colleague) on: Jul 12, 2023

• MJ and I met in HSC hospital in 1996 in Pathology Lab. We quickly became friends, MJ was so easy to talk to and we had similar happenings in our life eg. ailing parents or in-laws at the time. In fact MJ quickly invited my husband and I to drive down to Lebanon, Missouri to spend their Thanksgiving weekend with her and her parents. We were grateful for this experience and had a better view of MJ’s roots. MJ was a striver never giving up once she made up her mind. She was a lover of animals and nature, and was mindful of conservation before many other people were. When I met her she was in med school and then into pathology. But by then she completed Vet School and was working here in Winnipeg as a vet. As time went on MJ began to travel to places that she had on her heart even though she started to have medical challenges that never stopped her from still going forward. MJ also opened her home to new Canadian refugees who very much needed help. As covid hit MJ and I would have nightly conversations about everything. I was her last connection before she fell asleep. She was quite worried about Covid because if she would get it (due to her chronic medical condition) she would be compromised. So we looked forward to chatting each evening and I always told her she could call me if by chance she wasn’t well during the night. And sure enough she did not get covid but unfortunately she had breast cancer for which she received treatment but unfortunately one such treatment killed her promptly . Still MJ fought on the battle with great steadfastness and determination. Truly she was an example of fight well fought.. she stayed in her home as long as she could which was exactly what she wanted. MJ we thank you for all the memories we have of your helpfulness, wealth of information and yes , even your stubbornness. May God bless you and give you rest. PS We know you’d be pleased your beloved cat “Cokkie” is doing quite well with us. Your friends, Adel and Geza Nagy, Wpg - Posted by: Adel Nagy (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2023

• MJ worked with my team through the pandemic to support public health systems. She was an extraordinary woman. She inspired us with her intelligence, bravery, and zest for life. She travelled the world in her wheelchair. We will miss her and cherish our memories of her. Sending peace. - Posted by: Kathy (Friend/colleague) on: Jun 26, 2023

• M.J. was a true mentor and beloved family member to us all. My childhood memories are of M.J. lifting me up onto one of her horses and guiding me around the paddock. I was "horse crazy" for most of my childhood and she fostered and nurtured that love. After we were grown, and I had my own sons, M.J. supported our family in many ways; and began to help one of our sons with the sport of figure skating. She attended many events with our family to cheer him on, and after he retired from figure skating she enthusiastically supported his endeavors with triathlons. Over the years M.J. and I spoke and emailed frequently, especially about our world travels, and I always looked forward to getting the e-cards she sent. M.J. will be missed and always remembered with lots and lots of love. She was always so interested in anything any family member was doing. M.J. was a shining example of true light and love. - Posted by: Alice M Harris (First cousin) on: Jun 25, 2023

• Offering deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved MJ. She was a formative presence in my life from an early age, giving me my first volunteer and then paid job at her vet clinic as a youth. Her care and compassion for all living beings was evident, and her willingness to take students and foreign veterinary graduates under her wing was exemplary. She helped so many get a leg up on life and will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace MJ, and thank you for everything. - Posted by: Heather McDonell (Employee/Friend) on: Jun 24, 2023

• A memorable colleague. Rest in peace MJ. - Posted by: John Gartner (Former colleague. ) on: Jun 24, 2023

• Worked together for over 4 years, was too caring and a great adventurer friend. - Posted by: Ameen (Friend ) on: Jun 24, 2023

• MJ was my first cousin. We were/are both the eldest children in our families, which I thought of as a bond. I looked up to her as a child, when the 5- year age difference between us meant she became a teenager and later, an adult, first. Everything she did fascinated me. My best memories of her at that time was visiting her family in the summer at their cabin on Lake of the Ozarks. MJ was like a patient big sister, even telling my sisters and me bedtime stories as we slept on their screened-in porch. Years later, when I was at loose ends after graduating from college, she invited me to move down to live with her in Hampton, VA, where she was teaching English in a middle school. She was trying to get into veterinary school; I was applying for grad school programs in music. It was a good fit. Our lives diverged after that, but we reconnected in 2018 when my husband and I visited her in Winnipeg. We caught up on family stories and our lives. It was wonderful to get to know each other as adults, and I appreciated her honesty in all things. She was creative, intelligent, independent, and sympathetic. A world traveler, she was always interesting because she was curious about people and places. MJ lived large and, despite personal disappointments, refused to be a victim. She was like a big sister to me, and I will miss our frequent phone calls that usually lasted an hour at a time. She enriched my life and I'm thankful for hers. - Posted by: Sarah M Kraaz (cousin) on: Jun 24, 2023

• MJ, our hearts are broken because of your loss. We never imagined this to happen, while planning to travel and go together to New York and Egypt. You have been a great adopted mom, big sister, and mentor to me. Thank you for every support and advice you generously offered to me. Sumaya and I really miss you, a lot. You will remain in our hearts, minds, and prayers forever. Yes, forever, MJ. May God bless you where you are. - Posted by: Hady Elnagar (Family memeber and freind) on: Jun 24, 2023