A Love That Continues to Give: Abe Martens’ Story
When Abe Martens speaks about his late wife, Eva, you immediately understand why their family was so close-knit. Married for 47 years, parents to 10 children, and grandparents to 37, Abe and Eva built a life rooted in generosity and faith.
Eva had a quiet gift for lifting others up. She drove neighbours to appointments. She helped start a meal committee for grieving families. She lived with a warmth that made people feel seen and cared for.
Her life embodied the simple truth: Give. And get a lot back.
A Journey Through Illness
In 2021, Eva began to feel unwell. A year later, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. After many months of hospital visits, she was admitted to Covenant’s St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Vegreville for the final chapter of her life.
Those months were bittersweet but full of grace. The staff cared for her like one of their own. They tended to her pain with gentleness. They helped her settle when her restless legs made relaxing difficult. And when she longed for the peace of the chapel, they wheeled her bed there so she and Abe could sing together.
Abe still remembers Easter. Eva was too unwell to come home, so the staff made it possible for the family to gather in the chapel. Their grandchildren sang, filling the room with comfort and love.
“When you have someone in the hospital for months, you see how much heart it takes to care for them,” Abe shared. “The nurses, doctors and staff treated Eva with such tenderness. Watching their compassion inspired me to give back so other families can feel that same love and care.”
Eva passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, as her family softly sang ’Til We Meet Again.
Honouring Eva’s Legacy
In the months since her passing, Abe has found strength in carrying forward the spirit that defined Eva’s life.
He gives to Covenant Foundation to honour her memory and to say thank you for the compassion that surrounded their family in her final days.
Giving feels like a way to keep her love moving,” he says. “And I get so much back knowing other families will feel that same care.”
A Legacy That Ripples Outward
Abe’s story captures the heart of this holiday season:
Give. And get a lot back.
Back in comfort.
Back in hope.
Back in knowing your generosity lifts up another family just when they need it most.
If Abe’s story resonates with you, consider giving to Covenant Foundation this holiday season. When you give before December 31, 2025, you get back a 2025 tax receipt. Will you make a gift today?