In Loving Memory of Donna Maurine Martyn
March 18, 1946 – May 10, 2025
On Saturday, May 10, Donna Maurine Martyn passed away at the age of 79. All who knew and loved her lost a devoted family member, friend, colleague, and tireless advocate for social justice.
Born in Olds, Alberta, to Nellie and Bill Shoebottom, Donna was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Dean Charles and Dash Shoebottom. A bright and curious student, she graduated from high school with honours. But it wasn’t all study—Donna played basketball, was a proud majorette marching in town parades, and spent carefree Saturdays riding horseback down dusty country roads.
Donna entered the University of Alberta with dreams of becoming a doctor. But at just 19, she received a shocking diagnosis: ALS. Told she wouldn’t live to see 21, Donna defied expectations. Rather than retreat from life, she pivoted—switching from Medicine to Elementary Education, determined to pay back her parents for the tuition loan and make a difference to young people. She did both.
In 1970, Donna married the love of her life, Michael Martyn. She became an instant wife and stepmother to Michelle (Tom Bentt), and later a proud grandmother to Darcy and Anne. Donna and Michael shared many joyful years of travel and family until his passing in 1984.
A lifelong activist, Donna was deeply involved with the NDP, including running as a federal candidate. Her political passion was matched by her commitment to human rights. In one of her most notable victories, Donna took on the Edmonton Taxi Cab Commission, the city, and two taxi companies in a Human Rights Commission case, arguing that the lack of 24/7 accessible taxi service violated the rights of people with disabilities. She won. Thanks to her tenacity, Edmonton now has around-the-clock accessible taxis—a legacy of real and lasting change.
As her own mobility declined, Donna made the decision to move into long-term care at Laurier House. There, she built a new community, where she was admired by staff and kept company by her beloved cat, Lambert—undisputed King of Laurier House.
Donna was also a passionate supporter of the arts. She was a long-time subscriber to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and a legendary “Frequent Fringer,” zipping from venue to venue at the Fringe Festival. Summer festivals were her playground, and she took great joy in sharing them with her cherished caregiver and friend, Rona Manalastis, and Rona’s family—from Taste of Edmonton to Folk Fest to Symphony Under the Sky.
In recent years, life became more difficult. The toll of the pandemic was heavy, but Rona’s steadfast care and companionship kept Donna safe, engaged, and loved. Just weeks ago, Donna was still thinking about how she wanted to celebrate her 80th birthday.
She did not wish for a public memorial, once saying, “I don’t want there to be a party for me where I’m not in attendance.” But those who loved her are invited to honour her memory with a donation to the charity of their choice—or by buying a ticket to one of Edmonton’s beloved festivals. And if you feel a breeze or catch a glimpse of someone scooting past with a smokie in one hand and a giant smile on her face, don’t be surprised. That might just be Donna, still part of the crowd.
Donna was absolutely amazing. She never stinted on living life to the fullest. One of my best memories of her is when she gave the pitch at an Edmonton Riverview AGM (she was our treasurer for years). She explained how donating was an excellent tax strategy in such an engaging way. Brian Mason, our leader at the time, was chuckling at her presentation. I also remember meeting her at a bus stop at a low point during her campaign for disabled taxes. She was shedding some tears of frustration. She didn’t give up though and in the end she triumphed. If you go to an Edmonton summer festival this year, think about Donna and the joy she experienced at all of them. Best wishes to Donna’s family and to Rona and her family.
Our deepest sympathy to Donna’s family at this time. Donna left an incredible legacy & she will be missed by everyone who was fortunate to come in contact with her. Her thoughtfulness and energy will be missed!
Mike & Marjorie Bencz
A common NDP friend had referred Donna to me for Shiatsu Acupressure Therapy. I was honoured and inspired to regularly support the maintenance of her health between 2004 and 2017 in her house and later in Laurier House.
It was amazing to me how courageous, able and mobile she was with her scooter (along with some incredible stories of challenge in her vulnerability). While she lived in her house, she was so dedicated to getting herself on and off the healing table, on and off her stationary bike for a daily workout, organizing and planting her flower gardens.
She always wanted to offer me food and stories after our healing sessions. It was a privilege to take that time to receive her generosity and hear stories of her life’s adventures from childhood to current times. What an incredible, full and engaged life she lived, against the odds. She definitely did not hold back, and certainly served us all with much love, both personally and publicly.
Bless you Donna, and thank you deeply.
As Laurel’s letter got sidetracked in the mail, I just found out today, of Donna’s passing. We missed her Christmas poem, and I was so tickled to read her Spring Greeting when I opened the envelope. But then, I flipped the page and read Laure’s note. Donna was a tiny lady, yet made a huge impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit lives on in many avenues.
We’ll always cherish great memories of Donna. She was so motivating and welcoming to all who attended countless meetings at her home and at Laurier House. A stalwart of the NDP, she was always there, both to lead and lend a hand. Rest in Power, Donna!
We are so sorry for your loss, to the entire family and the community of friends and caregivers who loved and admired Donna. She was a tenacious woman who never gave up, despite her health challenges. She contributed to so many causes and organizations over the years, with dedication, passion and unfailing commitment. She will be missed by many people. We hope your memories bring you comfort.
Thank you for your wonderful words of comfort, from my family and me. Thank you too for sharing your memories you spent with Donna.
She was indeed an inspiration for us. She was more like my older sister and my treasure chest is filled with times we shared. There’s not enough space to speak of the adventures we shared. She is missed.
I only just found out about Donna’s passing. Thank you for leaving a space for those who loved her to leave a message. Donna’s passing leaves such a hole in the lives of so many. She was a real inspiration. For a woman who appeared so diminutive, she had a backbone of solid steel. Woe be to the person that underestimated our Donna; they were in for a genuine earful! Donna was one of the most generous people I have ever met. I was honoured to work on one of her campaigns. For a candidate who could not get out door knocking, she did so well. She built large circles of friends and admirers. I’ve sat with her through many meetings; she was never shy to voice her point of view and we all benefited from her knowledge and perspective. With the change in riding boundaries and with her move from her home in Central Edmonton, we gradually lost touch. I’m so sorry I never had a chance to say goodbye. I have gladly saved all of the missives she sent out, which she jokingly called “Waiting to Die”, some arrived at Christmas, some spontaneously, but all of them rhymed. She left a very strong impression on me and I will always treasure those memories. My deepest condolences go to all her friends and family.
Donna was a friend and an educator. She taught me so much about living your principles, doing what you can while you can, and telling people who said “that’s not possible” to go away and start figuring out how to make it work. I will miss her annual holiday poems.
My deepest condolences to the Family and Friends of our Dear Late Donna Martyn! We all need to “Cherish the Wonderful Memories” we have had with this remarkable
lady! – always with that lovely smile! – I loved getting her annual Christmas card/poem each year & I thought she didn’t send out due to the postal strike Dec. 2024? – but I feel
so lucky to have received her very last letter/poem on May 14th, 2025 – thanks Laurel! I always enjoyed seeing Donna at ESO Concerts and just catching up! – Donna will be
missed but never forgotten!
Rest in eternal peace dear friend – until we meet again! – Love & Friendship Ms Gladys Marie Magega
I’m so sorry to hear the bad news about Donna. She was a wonderful woman. I knew her for so many years I was cooking for her. We spent an amazing time together. God bless her soul. She will be missed. rest in peace Donna.
Donna was such a remarkable woman as others have noted. Who says you can’t fight city hall? Donna did and won. What an inspiration to others. For years I had her campaign signs in our garage thinking we could re-use them in another campaign. This was a fully engaged person who told me she never thought she had a disability. She lived life to the fullest and was a great gift to all who knew her and to the community at large.
Dear Laurel, Rona and all Donna’s family and friends I am so sorry for your loss. My husband Jay and I have so many happy memories of joining Donna in various celebrations, NDP events or very often at the fringe seeing her wearing a stylish hat in the sunshine as she moved among the crowds on her scooter. She made a difference in many peoples lives through her advocacy work and her political activism. We always enjoyed her emails, poems and musing which were always full of positive and joyful thoughts. Her physical limits never slowed her down and she truly embraced life. It was an honour to know her.
This is a sad day. I knew Donna through a High School where my husband taught, as did she, then through the NDP and social activist events, where she was more involved than I. What a positive force she was about everything in life! She will be missed!
It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to a truly remarkable patient and friend, Donna. I met Donna 10 years ago, and from the very beginning, I was inspired by her bright spirit, unwavering positivity, and incredible perseverance in the face of her ALS diagnosis.
Despite her physical limitations, she brought light and laughter to every visit. Seeing Donna—and her devoted caregiver and dear friend, Rona—was the highlight of my Thursdays. The bond they shared, and the joy they both brought into my office, is something I’ll always carry with me.
It was an honor and a privilege to care for Donna over the years. She will be deeply missed. My sincerest condolences to her family and to Rona, who stood by her with so much love and strength.
Rest easy, Donna. Your presence was a gift.
Michelle Bentt (Martyn) was married to my brother Tom. When Michael married Donna, she became a step-Mom to my brother. We enjoyed many family get togethers and always loved Donna’s infectious smile. Her mobilty handicap never deterred her from having a pleasant outlook on life. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Rest in peace Donna.
Deeply sorry for the loss of such inspirational human soul I met Donna 2011 I was a caregiver will be miss !! I did learn so much from her .
I first met Donna when I became involved in Friends of Medicare. Donna was one of the founding members. I was in awe with Donna’s courage, intelligence, kindness, and social justice. I cherished her advice. I always looked forward to her poetry describing her life events every Christmas. Donna was always bigger than life! She will be missed.
My condolences to her family and Rona, her caregiver.
I have so many fond memories of Donna from countless party events, conventions and council meetings. She was steadfast, dedicated and loyal. I loved that she was never afraid to ask the questions that others were only thinking. I am sad she is gone but she will be fondly remembered by thos of us who knew her.