Jessie Martinson, 97

Peacefully, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side, Jessie Martinson passed away at age 97 on October 10, 2012, in Vancouver, BC.
Born February 12, 1915 to Andrew and Anelia (Jaroslow) Bynkoski in Rainy River, Ontario, Jessie was the second of three children. She attended Alexander Public School in Rainy River and upon graduation was valedictorian. After completing Grade 13, Jessie went to Normal School in North Bay for one year. When she graduated from Normal School, her first teaching job was in a one-room school house in Bergland, Ontario, instructing 42 pupils from Grades 1 to 10.
Jessie met her husband, Andrew William (Bill) Martinson, in Bergland, and they were married in Winnipeg on January 1, 1942. Their only child, Eileen, was born on August 7, 1946 in Rainy River.
Jessie was the proverbial pioneer, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner. In 1950, she and Bill built their own home, off of Highway 11, one mile east of Rainy River. They then purchased “The Foodway" grocery store from Jessie’s brother, Gene, and operated it for 16 years. After they sold the store, Jessie began to take summer and weekend courses from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. At the age of 58, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. Then she began to work at Rainy River High School as assistant to the librarian, and also as teacher-on call, retiring at age 70. After Bill’s passing in 1981, her volunteer work continued, and she even delivered “Meals on Wheels” well into her 80’s.
In 2004, at the age of 89, Jessie sold her home and moved from Rainy River to Vancouver, BC to be closer to her daughter. For six years she resided in a seniors' assisted-living residence, Shannon Oaks, until she moved to St. Jude's Anglican Home on September 2, 2010, where she passed away.
Jessie is survived by her daughter, Eileen (Danny) Siu of Vancouver, BC; three grandchildren, Raeleen (Nick) of Victoria, BC, Lee-Ann (Rick) of Toronto, ON, and Daniel of San Francisco, CA; one great-grandchild Liam; two sisters-in-law Ruth Bynkoski and Violet Pritchard, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Gene Bynkoski and Walter Benson.
Jessie was a loving, supportive, and loyal mom, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, and community worker. She was respected for her hard work ethic, patience, positive disposition, warm hospitality and generosity towards all whom she encountered, no matter what came her way. She approached everything with perfection, dignity and pride.
She has earned her eternal rest and reward. Those of us who knew her and loved her have faith that she is both at peace, and rejoicing in the company of her Lord and her loved ones who have gone ahead of her.
A graveside funeral service was held on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Rainy River Cemetery with Pastor Carolyn Kreger officiating. Those unable to attend or wishing to sign a guest book may do so online at http://memorial.yourtribute.com/Jessie-Martinson.