October 25, 2022
In loving memory ~
Martina Anne Nash passed away peacefully on October 25, 2022 at Eden Gardens care facility, leaving the Alzheimer's behind. Martina was surrounded by love, with her husband Richard, two children, Adam and Stephanie and her three grandchildren - Clara, Emma and John at her side. Martina's sister Nicki, two nephews Ryan and Scotty, and grandnieces Harlyn and Waverly sent their unconditional love from Australia. The staff at Eden Gardens supported the family's wishes by keeping Martina comfortable, calm and loved until she was ready to let go.
Martina was born in England, moving to British Columbia at a young age with her sister and parents. After completing her post-secondary education at the University of Victoria, she began her teaching career in Nanaimo, B.C. She dedicated a passionate 33 years to her students at both an elementary and secondary level. She was not only a teacher to her students, but a mentor, a role model, a coach and their #1 fan. Martina undoubtedly touched the lives of countless students. She cared so much that when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, one of her greatest fears was running into a previous student or colleague and not being able to remember their name.
When Martina wasn't teaching or talking about teaching, she was busy supporting her children in whatever activity they were engaged in. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and playing tennis, boating and travelling with Richard and sharing laughs with friends. She loved being active and social and took great joy in her daily routines such as walking her dogs and visiting with neighbours. Martina loved her family and friends unconditionally. She would always put everyone else before herself. She had a special way of bringing light to any situation and seeing the goodness in anyone's heart. Although the Alzheimer's took away many of Martina's functions, it could never take away her warm and welcoming smile. Martina had an amazing support network that continued through the difficult years of Alzheimer's. Martina and her family could not be more appreciative for all the love and support.
Martina will be missed dearly. She will rest peacefully and proudly and finally be free of Alzheimer's.
To honour Martina's love for education, the family has setup an endowment fund at the University of British Columbia. The Martina A. Nash MD/PhD Scholars End, will annually provide financial support to students at a Master's or PhD level who are completing research in Alzheimer's. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her legacy scholarship fund.
https://donate.give.ubc.ca/page/68038/donate/1?transaction.dirgift=Martina%20A.%20Nash%20MD/PhD%20Scholars%20Endowment%20E0696