Anita Louise Martinez

Anita Louise Martinez, December 2, 1939 - February 4, 2025 Anita was born at 11:00pm on a crisp, clear, beautiful Saturday night in Fort Erie, a small border town in Ontario. Some of her fondest memories from her early childhood were spending time with her Nannie and Nampie Pelley from Newfoundland, and also her best friend Gail Lam at The Red Dragon, the Lam family restaurant there in Fort Erie. Anita embarked on her journey into motherhood at a young age. She traveled globally and lived in Michigan, New York, Japan and Canada, before ultimately settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she singlehandedly raised her six beloved children. After moving to Nova Scotia in 1983, Anita became a pillar in the feminist and queer communities, dedicating four decades to social justice, activism, and documentation. Anita was a proud ex-resident of Bryony House and with their permission, took photographs of hundreds of women and their children who came through the shelter. After being unjustly fired, she helped lead a movement to unionize the shelter’s staff, later serving as union president. Anita was an avid photographer and documentarian, using her gift to capture life’s pivotal moments—births, weddings, protests, demonstrations, and community gatherings. Her photography work is in the Nova Scotia Archives and other historical repositories. Anita was a member of the Lamplight Housing Co-op for many years and opened her home to friends and family because she loved feeding people. An extraordinary cook, many people remember her pozole and guacamole dishes, all of them spiced with her “Gramanita Spice”, which she readily gave away. In her later years, Anita remained deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, always eager to stay connected and share in their milestones. She often traveled to Texas and New York for extended visits, cherishing every moment with her family. Through FaceTime, she bridged the distance, attending births, weddings, and special occasions from afar. Her unwavering presence, whether in person or virtually, strengthened the bond she shared with her loved ones. Anita’s devotion to family was matched only by her dedication to the countless people she empowered, supported, and fought for. Her passion for justice, her love of storytelling, and her commitment to community will continue to inspire generations to come. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by daughters Kathryn Pearl Laura Martinez (Mike), LeeAnne Margaret Teal (Leta), Kimberley Rose Teal (Nelson), Lori Anne Lillian Teal-Goldammer (David), and sons James Austin “Chip” Teal (Martha), Darius Harrison Martinez, 22 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. May we all carry forward Anita’s strength, kindness, and unwavering belief in a better world—one shared meal, one story, and one act of love at a time. Anita’s celebration of life will be held on February 22, 2025 at 2:00pm in the Activity Centre at Northwood (2615 Northwood Terrace, Halifax, the corner of Northwood & North). Anita's Celebration of Life will be on Feb 22, 2025 at 2pm. Please see the Wayves article for address and Zoom link. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elderberries via Dan McKay, 3247 Union Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 5H2 - atlanticcanadaelderberries@gmail.com. For a more detailed overview of Anita’s life and accomplishments, please visit https://gay.hfxns.org/AnitaMartinez