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Martha Ralph Obituary
RALPH, Martha 1953 2010 Born Martha Joanne Forslund on September 21, 1953 on the first day of fall, her mother almost named her Autumn, but she was lovingly nicknamed the Swede" by her father and called Martini" by her friends. Now she has suddenly soared away from us to Valhalla in the autumn of her life. Martha was the middle child of a large loving family of 11. She leaves us with her two beautiful children, Bonnie Craig and Colin Ralph. She is survived by brothers and sisters Christine, Wayne, Teresa, Jill, Valeska, Stephen, Rachael, Ross, Robert, Coral and of course the large extended family members of whom she all embraced. Family was everything to Martha, even while balancing a solid 35 year career with BC Tel/Telus through challenging years. She had been retired for 6 months when she left us. Martha was a proudly supportive mother involving herself deeply with her children's endeavours right through to their adulthood and beyond. She was always there by their sides, whether it was helping Bonnie with her post secondary career path studies or cheering Colin on the sidelines of the soccer field. Her second mother" role was enjoyed by many of her nieces, nephews, and her children's friends over the years. Martha loved having all the family near and we fondly remember the gatherings hosted at her Langford Lake home. She was our constant contact" always keeping in touch with that unexpected call. Her strength was also a tangible thing picture her outdoors swinging the axe splitting a cord of wood over several days for the home's woodstove. Our lumberjack could then transform to our beautiful sister. We still see her at Jill's summer gathering flitting around like a butterfly playing grass volleyball in her bikini at middle age. She will be deeply missed by all of the family, extended family and her circle of friends. Be at peace Martha. You had a blessed, full life but just left the party a little too soon. Some babe is Swede A celebration of Life will take place Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 1 5 PM at the Langford Legion 761 Station Road. 579882
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Ralph
44 Entries
Joe
September 28, 2023
RIP Martha! Beautiful view from your bench. Enjoy Valhalla!
February 20, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Marianne Taylor
February 21, 2011
Oh Martha...we were just getting going again! You are sorely missed!! Can't believe that a year has passed already.... I'm sure you've spent much time with your grandchild already!!Love you always, "Spaztik"
Leigh Machnee
January 27, 2011
Martha, I'm Thinking of you and wishing you were here. I miss you, and I'm so glad we did coffee that day, just a few weeks before...I'm thankful for the memories, though I'm still so sad that memories are all I have left now.
Bonnie, Colin and all the family: Thanks you for sharing your sister/mom/aunt/niece etc. with me. What a wonderful smile she always had, and so understanding, about everything. Always good to talk to. I miss her a lot. Thanks you for your closeness and compassion to my brother, sister and I. Much love,
How you can show support
August 20, 2010
Hi Marf, I miss you so much. Love Corrie.
Coco
March 13, 2010
Bonnie, Colin and Families
I will cherish all the memories your mom and I have shared over the years. Being spies, clowns and just goofs in general is what we did best.
Trekking to all the fun concerts in Vancouver with Momo and Lulu and travelling up and down the island were just the best of times.
I will miss our incessant emailing and those crazy catch up phone calls.
Regrets,.. there are a few, the last one, not giving your mom a big hug after our lunch a couple of weeks ago.
Marth, you were the best of friend I could ever have asked for.
I miss you lots.
Love
Gayle Wigmore
March 9, 2010
Bonnie, Colin and Family
I feel so much the loss of your mom and sister as Martha was such a good friend to me.
Always happy and full of laughter, we had some wonderful times together. We had so much fun on our trips to Mexico.
I will miss our daily chats on the phone and our walks along the Goose. When you feel an Angel looking over
your shoulder, that will be Martini keeping watch over you.
ronda rozon
March 7, 2010
Bonnie, Colin, Dennis and family. The service for your mom was wonderful and so nice to see so many people in attendance. I loved the Rod Stewart song, and she would have been up dancing along... Your mom had such a lovely gentle soul. I was blessed to see both of you and would like to stay in contact. Please send me an email and stay connected. [email protected]
Shelley
March 6, 2010
There are no words...Colin and Bonnie we send our love and prayers from the hearts of our family to you.As spring unfolds and the butterflies emerge and fly, may you find comfort in your memories of your Mom and her eternal love for you.Stay close to Auntie Jill she is a gift from your Mom.
Shelley Ellis
March 6, 2010
There are no words ....We send the love and prayers from our family to your family Martini.Your spirit of love will be there forever. Colin and Bonnie know how much you are loved now and forever and may your memories bring you comfort today.
Sandi Lovas
March 5, 2010
I met Martini and Larry early on in their relationship. Both of them made going to work at BCTel/Telus more enjoyable with each passing day. Martini ALWAYS had a ready smile and a kind word. She spoke of her children often to me and when she did, her eyes lit up. My heart is breaking for her family and friends but she will never be far away. Just look to the brightest star in the sky and you'll find Martini.
Sandi Lovas, Victoria, B.C
sandy gallo
March 5, 2010
To the family of Martha,
My heart goes out to your entire family at this very sad time.. Martha was a co-worker who I considered a friend who was always an upbeat and positive person. My deepest sympathies go out to all of her family and especially Colin and Bonnie.
Sue Porteous
March 2, 2010
All of these lovely messages of condolence certainly show how much Martha was loved. We were friends at St. Ann's - spent lots of sleepovers at each others homes. I always think of her when I pass Bushby St. And I always think.... I must get in touch with Martha. My thoughts are with you all at this time. I do know how she loved life and her family. Please take care of yourselves for her.
Sue (Adkin) Porteous
Crystal Nesbitt & Nick Waters
March 2, 2010
To Martha's Family,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. We are here to support you in your grieving process and are thinking of you during this difficult time.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best...May your memories give you strength. xoxo
March 2, 2010
Bonnie, Colin & family,
We are so sorry for the loss of such a precious and delightful person in your life. During these difficult days, may the many joy-filled memories you shared together bring you comfort and peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Lynn & Carol Straiton, Victoria, BC
Lynn
March 2, 2010
Bonnie and Colin, my heart goes out to you and your wonderful family. I will miss your mom and keep her memory alive in my heart, she was such a good friend.
Tina
March 2, 2010
Good-bye (for now) my beautiful sis. You will always be with us. See you in Valhalla one day and we will all be re-united. Love to all my Family.
kevin rozon
March 2, 2010
bonnie and collin. i am so so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. you guys were the best neighbours at the lake
kevin rozon
March 2, 2010
bonnie and collin. i am so so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. you guys were the best neighbours at lake
March 1, 2010
Dear Bonnie,Colin and family,
I send my condolences at the loss of your loving mother and sister. Martha was a dear friend from St. Anne's and in later years. I will miss her wonderful smile and her friendship.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Loretta Webb Schwarzhoff
Vancouver, B.C.
Marilyn Jones
March 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, at this sad, sad time. I met Martini through work, when I began to travel between Vancouver and the Victoria office. Martini was always so supportive, thoughtful and positive. She saw the best that life had to offer. I will miss the opportunity of getting to know her better in her retirement and eventually, when the time is right, I will raise a martini to her memory. I think she would have liked that.
Mary-Lynne/ Peter Weberg/ Dewaal
February 28, 2010
My thoughts are with the whole family, but especially Bonnie and Colin. I know losing a mom is always hard. I have fond memories of sharing childhood family stories from the Lake when I worked with Martini at BCTel/Telus. If there is a lesson through this tragedy it is to live life with no regrets. Martini lived her life with no regrets. She is an inspiration to us all. Thinking of the whole family at this difficult time.
February 28, 2010
My thoughts are with the whole family but especially Bonnie and Colin, I know that losing a Mom is always hard, especially at such a young age. I remember working with Martini at BCTel/Telus, sharing memories of our families and our childhoods at the Lake. A lesson from her untimely departure is to live your life with no regrets. Martini lived her life with no regrets, can we all say that? Again my thoughts are with the family.
Mary-Lynne Weberg & Peter Dewaal/ Duncan, BC
Barb Basi
February 28, 2010
This tragic accident bothered me before I knew it was Martha. I was so sad to see her name and know this sweet, kind soul has been taken from her family. I too, worked with her at BC Tel and will always remember her lovely ways.
February 28, 2010
wish we could be there Saturday March 6 for Martha,s celebration of life.so sorry to read about this tragic accident,our prayers are with you all and we will have a moment of silence on March 6--Blake and Joanne Sprague in Lake Havasu Arizona
Lloyd & Jackie Ralph
February 27, 2010
Bonnie, Colin, Spikes and to all of our extended family.
This is so hard for all of us as we try to understand why but, we must come together and find the strenghth in our hearts and prayers and believe that Martha is now safe in God's hands. Martini is our angel and will remain in our hearts forever and we are comforted knowing that she's watching over us all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Paulette (Desjardins) Swanston
February 27, 2010
Valeska and family I am so sorry to hear about Martha. I remember her from St.Anne's, Martha was always so sweet. My heart and thoughts are with you at this sad time
Jill Coupe
February 27, 2010
Fly free in Valhalla, Frigga.
Jane Stewart
February 27, 2010
Valeska,
I was so sorry to hear of the tragic passing of your dear Sister. My thoughts are with you, Martha's children and all your family
Sam Wilkinson
February 27, 2010
Bonnie and Colin, so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a sweet heart and I remember her always smiling. lots of love. Our thoughts are with you :)
Richard Henry
February 27, 2010
I had the pleasure of knowing Martha and Larry only for a year as I rented a suite from them 2 years ago. Martha was always smiling and always working in the beautiful flower beds she planted she really seemed to enjoy herself always. Never have I met anyone with a never-ending smile and a genuine kindness such as Martini's. It always seems the best get taken far too soon.
Lisa Bradshaw
February 26, 2010
Remembering Martini's smile, warmth and sparkle and the good old days at BC Tel/Telus. What a great loss. Thinking of her family and friends at this difficult time.
Laurene Townsend
February 26, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time.
Laurie and Laurene
Wendy/Cathy Manson/Smith
February 26, 2010
Martini You will always be in our Hearts and your smile makes every-one smile.God has another Angel.
Marianne Taylor (nee Desjardins)
February 26, 2010
Martha was one of my best friends years ago at St. Anne's school. I loved her then, now, and forever. As in her life, even in death her spirit will soar!! Many have been blessed to have had her in their lives. She will be deeply missed. My condolances to her children and extended family.
Fred and Pat Ford
February 26, 2010
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Bonnie and Colin at this sad time. Remember the good times you had with Mom. Cherish them. Thinking of you both.
Dorian/Dave Wuttunee
February 26, 2010
Always a smile & friendly word & willing to lend a hand.Martini was a lovely woman in & out,she will be missed terribly & The memory of her smile will come to mind on every sunny day.
Shirley Wendland
February 26, 2010
My heart goes out to Marth's children and family. She always had a smile on her face and was a joy to work with. she will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Martha!
Elaine Callow (Weicker)
February 26, 2010
A beautiful person - one beyond compare! From days at St. Ann's to BC Tel, she was always smiling!
My love to all of her family.
Lynne & Lyle Ferrie
February 26, 2010
Martha was a lovely, kind and thoughtful woman. Her funny giggle, warm heart, long chats over coffee or...... a glass or two of wine. Long walks through Langford sharing stories. Lyle & I will always toast her at the Mexican sunsets we enjoy. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Lynne Rene
February 26, 2010
Bonnie, Colin & family.
It has been nearly a week now & I am still having troubles wrapping my head around this tragedy!!! I worked with Martini/Martha for most of her career & she was the kindest of souls! When I close my eyes & picture her I see her warm, friendly smile! She was a truly wonderful lady who valued her friends & family. She will be very much missed!
May all the wonderful memories you share give you comfort at this time.
Donella Rudd
February 26, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived but taken far too soon.
Wayne & Donella Rudd, Calgary
ronda rozon
February 26, 2010
Martha was a great neighbour to our family at the lake. Her love for reading always inspired me and I often think of her now when I am relaxing with a book. She always wore a smile and had a twinkle in her eye. My prayers are with you Bonnie and Colin. May you find strength in friends and family at this difficult time. Condolences to the extended family.
JUDY,STAN RALPH
February 26, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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