Obituaries

DUNBAR, Martha Sigrid (née MEEKS)

Martha, the youngest child of the late Harry and Sophie (Weanas) Meeks, died peacefully on August 21, 2025, at the age of 95. Martha was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Charlie; and by her dear brothers and sisters: Toralf Lotvedt, and Edward, Ralph, Betty (Feltch), and Lucie Meeks. Martha was the last of her generation in the Meeks family line.

Martha treasured her nieces and nephews, and their families, and she knew that they loved her. Predeceased by nephews Brian and Charles, and niece Lorna, Martha is survived by her niece, Gail, and her nephew, Gregg.

Martha was born and raised in St. Laurent, Montreal. In 1947, two months following her high school graduation, Martha was hired by The Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada as a general clerk in the Profits Department. Over her 28 years with Sun Life, Martha’s work ethic and growing competence were acknowledged with promotions into more specialized roles including Planning Assistant, Methods Analyst, and Planning Analyst. Martha was proud to be associated with Sun Life, and found deep satisfaction in her work. After relocating to Dartmouth, Martha worked with Maritime Life Assurance Co., ultimately as Controller in the Data Processing Department.

Martha and Charlie valued having and being good neighbours, and felt especially grateful for the sense of community they found in Pointe Claire, Quebec and on Richards Drive, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Martha appreciated the promise of youth, and dealt generously with the children and teens in her world. Their vitality and exuberance brought a twinkle to her eye.

Martha loved animals of all sorts. Thankfully, Charlie was like-minded, and they enjoyed the company of many cats and dogs, in various combinations throughout their life together. On the fridge at Richards Drive was at least one photo of every special pet in Martha’s life, from her first dog, Pal, to her final pet, Toulouse the cat. In truth, Toulouse belonged to a next-door neighbour, but made it clear that she had adopted Martha and Charlie. When the neighbours prepared to move, they couldn’t bear to separate Martha and Charlie from Toulouse, and made the arrangement official, a gracious and timely gift.

Martha was blessed by the churches she attended over her lifetime. During the seasons of life when she was able to volunteer, she faithfully served on St. Paul’s Anglican Church’s Chancel Guild, and in their church office. She made lasting friendships and loved participating in worship, Bible Studies, and special events. Martha considered herself as always having more to learn and more opportunities to grow. Late in life, she found a worshipping community closer to home at Church of our Saviour.

When independent living proved challenging, Martha received excellent support and care at home from live-in caregivers Kelly and Karen; and later, at The Berkeley (Pepperell St.), from the nurses and caregivers in their Memory Care Unit. In her final days, Martha approached death softly and pain-free because of the attentive and insightful care of the doctors and nurses at the VG Palliative Care Unit.

Martha considered herself rich beyond measure, in all of the ways that matter most.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Church of Our Saviour, 255 Portland Street, on October 25, at 11:00 a.m., with a light reception to follow. Family flowers only, please.

Donations to one of Martha’s favourite charities, Hope for Wildlife , or any charity of your choosing, would be welcome.