Martha Sofie Ratsch (nee Hartmann) passed away peacefully with her family at her side, at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the age of 82 years.

Beloved wife of Werner Ratsch for 62 years. Loving mother of Stephen (Andrea), William (Patti) and Peter (Michele). Proud Oma and adored by grandsons Gregory, Timothy, Jeremy and Benjamin, granddaughter Moorea, and step grandson Joshua. Loving daughter of the late Ernst and Berta Hartmann. Dear sister-in-law to Vera. Motherly friend to Helen and worldly travel companion and friend to Kay Weslak. Fondly remembered by other relatives, and friends.

Maple Island, Ontario, will miss Martha’s beautiful gardens, caring and motherly nature. Martha was a strong, vibrant woman who loved to travel, garden, cook and watch tennis. She appreciated and valued all the birds, wildlife and her pets over the years.

As per Martha’s wishes, please raise a glass of your favorite beverage, cheers, and remember all the good times and memories you have had with her.

The family wishes to thank the nurses at the West Parry Sound Health Centre for their excellent care of Martha.

Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of Martha’s life will take place at a later time.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to any charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences

My deepest condolences. I will always remember Easter egg hunts, campfire songs, swimming at her dock, her gardens and her laugh. So thankful I decided to visit her before her last trip to Cuba...a love for Cuba is one thing we shared. She will be deeply missed.

My wife Brooke and I are sorry for your loss. We met Martha and Werner many times through my mother Kay Weslak. They were an engaging couple to spend time with and were wonderful hosts when we came visiting. Martha truly was a special travelling companion for my mother... she will be sorely missed.
Steve and Brooke Weslak

To the family of Martha my deepest condolences in the passing of a wonderful woman. I had the pleasure in crossing paths with Martha in early December in Cuba. She was my neighbor for only a week but has left a lasting impression. She loved her family and spoke fondly of all and told the heartwarming love story of her and her husband and the travels they have been on. I tried my best to keep in contact with Martha through Cuban connections and update everyone on her health and adventure. I am truly heartbroken of her passing but and privileged to have been able to meet such a firecracker of a woman! Tonight we drink a brandy and a beer for you Martha! Fly high with the angels. Rest In Peace Martha!

Our deepest sympathies,
We will miss Martha very much, I have many fond memories that will always bring a smile when she crosses my mind.

Our deepest sympathies to Martha's Family and all,
We have so many wonderful memories of being together with Martha over our years on Maple Island. We couldn't ask for a kinder, more caring or more loving human than Martha. Her family and friends were so very important to her. She is going to be deeply missed. Hoping everyone can find comfort in their greatest memories of her.

-Marv & Ruth Bruder

I loved Martha so. Missing her was the main reason I hated moving from M.I. We keep in touch, thankfully. She was a profound lady, a wonderful person. Cooked a bear roast the best. ❤️

Our condolences to Smokey, their sons and families. Martha and Smokey have been our neighbours for almost fifty years and four generations of our family. Smokey and Dad both started building their cottage/ home in the early 1970’s. Maple Island has grown much and the Magnetawan River continues to rise and fall but Martha was always a constant - friendly, interested and concerned about people including our children and grandchildren, generous of her home grown vegetables, brighten the neighbourhood with beautiful flowers and community spirited. She will be missed by our family and many others.

It took me really a long time to write a few words here. Why? Because I couldn't find words to describe this loss. We are separated by about 6.200 km, but in our hearts we were always connected and always will be. I always appreciated her very much. I admired her courage to leave Germany. Her big heart, her kindness, her helpfulness, her strength in difficult times, her perseverance and her persistence. Her permanent belief in the good in people, her honesty, her infectious laughter and her love. She gave a lot without expecting anything. Personally, she meant a lot to me because she saw me and always encouraged me to believe in myself. I always knew she was there for me and I am grateful for every minute with her. My mom is very proud that she had such a great sister-in-law. We are all incredibly sad.