It is with great sadness that the family of Marty (Gertrude Mary) Southcott, 76, of Mahone Bay, NS and formerly of North Bay, ON, announces her sudden passing on August 23rd, 2016 at the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, NS.

Born in Cornerbrook, NL, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Margaret (Edens) Martin.

Marty had a profound impact on thousands of young people and the arts community. A champion of the underdog, she always went out of her way to help the quietest, shy kid in the back row. She nurtured their love of theatre in her own unique way. Her legacy will always be the joy of theatre she shared with so many. Marty gave people the self-confidence and belief in themselves to succeed, not only on stage, but in their daily lives.

Marty is survived by Arthur, her loving husband of 56 years, daughter Jerri (Dave Stephens) of Lunenburg; sons Stephen (Bev) of Dartmouth; Shane (Martina) of Playa del Carmen, Mexico; and Michael. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Luke Letourneau, Noa and John Southcott, Daniel Briceno Puch, Michel Briceno Puch, Denisse Briceno Puch; sisters Joan Pickles of Victoria, BC; Catherine (John) Lawton of St. John’s, NL; brother Leonard (Heidi) Martin of Ottawa as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Marty is predeceased by her sister Peggy Wathier-Ross.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy #3, Lunenburg. In keeping with Marty’s wishes, cremation and a private family service have taken place, and a celebration of her life will take place in North Bay at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marty’s memory to the Terry Fox Foundation or the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore would be appreciated by the family.