Lily Mae Martin

Lily Martin (nee Graham) passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, in Ottawa. Predeceased by her husband Ivan Martin and son Michael Martin. Lily will be greatly missed by her children: Marva, Dean, and Rosemarrie, as well as her son-in-law Barry Rieder and granddaughter Olivia Martin-Rieder.

Lily was born in 1924 in St. James, Bruce Hall near Montego. She met Ivan by getting involved in politics in Jamaica and got married in Kingston on July 31st, 1955. She immigrated to Canada on the 3rd of November in 1956. In the midst of raising a family, she worked retail at Caplan’s, did a certificate in administration, worked for the federal government as a clerk and eventually in medical administration at the Ottawa Civic hospital. She retired in 1988.

She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and riding her bike to the experimental farm. She also sewed children’s clothing that was sold at flea markets. Both her husband and her were active members of the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association. On July 1st they had an open house in which many of the Ottawa Jamaican community came to celebrate Canada day. From breakfast till late evening the reggae music and Wray Nephews white rum flowed with much laughter while people played dominoes and consumed Manish Wata, rice and peas, yellow yam, jerk chicken and homemade bun with cheese.

The family would like to thank the staff at Garry J. Armstrong Long Term Care for the care that was provide the last 4 years of her life. She was well liked by the staff and known to them as Mama Lily or Lily flower.

We were all gifted with her long life of 102 years and will greatly miss her.

A Celebration of Lily’s life will be held at Tubman Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:00am. Reception to follow.

For those wishing to attend the service virtually, guests may pre-register for the livestream by clicking here or the link below.