Martha Geertruida Ellens (nee Flokstra)

Obituary: Martha Geertruida Ellens (née Flokstra)
May 14, 1932 to July 11, 2025

 With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Martha Geertruida Ellens (née Flokstra), who went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on July 11, 2025, at the age of 93.

Born in The Netherlands, Martha was raised in a close-knit family and spent her youth helping her mother run a dry goods store in Groningen Holland amidst the challenges of post-war Europe. In her late teens, she bravely emigrated to Canada alongside her parents and her beloved boyfriend, Lukas Ellens, who would later become her devoted husband. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and perseverance.

Martha always dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher, a reflection of her deep affection for children and her natural nurturing spirit. Although she did not pursue this profession formally, she fulfilled that calling in a most profound way by raising a large and loving family. She was the proud mother of ten children, the cherished grandmother of twenty-nine, and the adored great-grandmother of thirty-eight and a half. Her legacy of love continues through each of them.

Martha will be forever loved and deeply missed by her children and their spouses: Horace and Sylvia, Corinne and Bill Hogeveen, Gordon and Pamela, John and Diane, Louis Gerald, Jacqueline Van Wely, Ed and Ruby, Calvin and Kim, Rick and Rae Ann, and Patricia and Bill Hilson. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory with affection and pride.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Luke Ellens, her brother Cees Flokstra, her daughter-in-law Lisa Ellens, and her grandson Michael Hogeveen.

After many years dedicated to raising her children, Martha returned to the workforce when her youngest started school. On her doctor’s advice, and with her characteristic determination, she began working at the Renkema Greenhouses behind her home and later joined the housekeeping staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, where she served with dedication and grace.

Fittingly, Martha spent her final days in the Obstetrics ward of the same hospital where she had joyfully welcomed eight of her ten children into the world. It was a tender and meaningful close to a life centered around faith and family.

Martha will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her warmth, wisdom, and wit, and her ability to find joy in everyday life. Her home was always filled with laughter, love, and the quiet strength of her presence.

A celebration of Martha’s life took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Tallman Funeral Homes (3277 King St, Vineland). Visitation took place from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00a.m., followed by a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation or McNally House Hospice in honour of Martha’s generous and giving spirit.

Mom/Oma/Grota Oma, you will be deeply missed but forever remembered. May your legacy of love continue to inspire us all.

Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca.