August 17, 1925 – November 14, 2023
It is with bittersweet sadness we share news of the peaceful passing of Martha Curry (Kerr) Beckner on Tuesday November 14, 2023, at the Seasons Encore Seniors Residence in Olds Alberta at the age of 98 years.
Martha was predeceased by her husband Floyd Beckner in 2009, her business and life partner for 56 years. Martha is survived by her sons Douglas Beckner (Wendy) of Carstairs, AB, and David Beckner (Christopher Brohman) of Toronto ON, her grandchildren Bryce Beckner (Lynsy), Scott Beckner (Trudy) and Lindsay Beckner Granda (Gil), her great grandchildren Taylor and Carson Beckner (Gillian), Kadan and Kayl Granda, Juila Beckner, and great-great granddaughter Ellie Beckner, her sister Elizabeth McLeod and niece Kimberly McLeod (Henri).
Martha was born on a farm at Ettington, SK on August 17, 1925, daughter of Adelaide (Cunningham) Kerr and John Kerr. Following her father’s death, Martha, with her mother and sister moved to Calgary, where she attended Garbutt’s Business College and subsequently worked at Westen Gypsum (1946) and The London Life Insurance Company (1947). While at London Life she met Floyd, and they were married in 1953. They moved to Carstairs where she raised a family and worked with Floyd at Beckner’s Men’s Wear until their retirement in 1999. Martha was an active member of the United Church Women and Choir, the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Carstairs Gun Club, the Carstairs Curling Club, and later, the Carstairs Half Century Club, and the Drifters Singing Group. Together they supported many local initiatives in Carstairs, including the Carstairs Rodeo, Rural Neighborhood Watch, and Beef and Barley Days.
Martha was a very social woman and loved meeting and engaging people. She enjoyed baking, making preserves, she made ceramics with friends for many years, sewing and embroidery, enjoyed hosting her girlfriends for bridge, and later excelled at shuffleboard and painting. On their retirement Martha and Floyd were open to new experiences and travelled extensively, including Navel Reunions in Australia/ New Zealand and Canada, and numerous cruises that took them to South America, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Africa, and Europe.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Martha later in 2024, date to be determined.
For those who wish to commemorate Martha’s life, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to your local food bank in her name.
Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
