The death of Martina Ellen Pearson, age 67, wife of Clarence Pearson of Highfield, NB., occurred at the Sussex Health Centre, on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. She was born in Saint John, NB, on December 13, 1944, the daughter of the late Arthur and Isabella (Bell) Gordon. Today is a sad day for many people. Today we celebrate the life of one of the best; a loving wife, a caring mother, a wonderful grandmother, an endearing sister, a special aunt and a sincere friend. Martina was the oldest of three daughters to Arthur and Isabel Gordon. At an early age she took on responsibility for her sisters and formed a close bond with her mother, who she adored. Martina went to school in Highfield and graduated from Coles Island High in 1962. She and her class mates were an unique group who always managed to stay close and be there for each other. It is ironic that today they would be celebrating their 50th high school reunion which she had planned to attend. After graduating she went to work in Moncton at Eaton’s Company and stayed there until she met the love of her life, Clarence Pearson, who she married in 1965. They had three children, Tracey, Karen and Ralph and through the years they were kept busy running to 4H, figure skating and hockey. Martina worked at the Kiwanis Nursing Home for over 25 years full time, retiring in January, 2005. Martina loved her family and showed it in many ways. She enjoyed buying them special gifts, sending just the right card and taking countless pictures of events in their lives. Martina also was concerned for others and definitely had a soft spot for the "underdog". She had a "no frills" approach to life------she didn’t need the best nor did she need to keep up with style. Her home donned her personality---decorated with pictures of people who meant the world to her. Martina loved her husband. Clarence was her soul mate and best friend. He took care of her in sickness and in health. She could always depend on Clarence as he would never let her down. Clarence’s love for Martina was unconditional---a love that many couples long for. Friends meant a great deal to her. In her lifetime she had made good solid friends and this was proven during her illness with visits, treats, phone calls and other acts of kindness. They were concerned and worried for Martina. Martina handled her illness as best she could. The past four years were difficult but she leaned on her faith in God and kept a positive attitude about getting well. She never thought about dying, only about living. Many years ago Martina gave this piece of advice to someone very close to her-----"You have to learn to be content and everything else will fall into place". Martina was content with her life. "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep her until we meet her again" Rest in Peace Martina is survived by her husband Clarence; daughters Tracey and David McKnight of Picadilly, Karen and Paul Hynes of Roachville; son Ralph and Carrie Pearson of Wards Creek; grandchildren Adam, Evan, Ian, Chad, Mitchell, Dana, Rebecca, Laura, Hilary, Mackenzie and Delanie; sisters Jean Grant of Halifax, NS, and Linda and Clifton McCullum of Sussex; sisters-at-heart Hilda Gillies, Flora Gamblin and Patsy McGouey; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is resting at Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB, with visiting from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 pm., on Friday. Funeral service, conducted by The Venerable David Barrett, will be held from Saint John’s Anglican Church, Highfield, NB, at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 23, 2012. A private interment, following cremation, will take place later in the adjoining cemetery. Donations to the Sussex Health Centre Foundation or the memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Condolences to the family may be made through www.sherwoodsfuneralhome.com