SYLVESTER, MARTHA EVELYN (nee Mulholland)
May 16, 1930 - May 11, 2018

Passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side one week before her 88th birthday. Predeceased by her parents, Donald and Helen Mulholland, husband Dr. Allan B Sylvester. Martha is survived by her five children Donald (Pat), Steven (Gillian), David (Anne), Gordon (Desiree), Verity (Chris), her one sister Verity Carrie, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Martha was born and raised in Toronto where she attended Blythwood Road Public School and Lawrence Park Collegiate, then graduated as a registered nurse from the Hospital for Sick Children. She subsequently qualified as a public health nurse in the city but shortly thereafter moved to Bowmanville with her husband Al, where the arrival of five children (four boys and finally, a girl) followed in rather short order. Family activities soon became the dominant calling in her life along with all the joys and challenges of raising five boisterous and independent kids. Busy summers at the treasured family cottage on Lake Muskoka were an integral part of family life. Somehow during that time, Martha also found the time to serve on the board of directors of the Durham Children’s Aid Society for many years. Additionally, she often worked as a nurse in her husband’s family practice, providing a variety of services including the compassionate administration of injections for thousands of anxious patients. She and her husband were also both faithful members of the United Church and then the Baptist Church for many decades.

Anyone who knew Martha over the years was well aware of her opinions, forthright personality and stated moral standards. She was not one to shy away from a spirited debate and was quite willing to stand her ground in the face of dissenting opinions. Rarely were there dull moments with Martha. Above all, she treasured her time in Muskoka with her beloved husband Al, her children, grandchildren, sister and the many great friends they enjoyed spending time with on the lake.

Many thanks are due to Martha’s faithful caregiver Annabella who made it possible for Martha to enjoy a wonderful quality of life in her later years, living independently at home and spending time at the cottage.

A public visitation will be held at MORRIS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4 Division Street, Bowmanville on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. A private family funeral will be observed at a later date.

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