Andrée Martinson
Posted Nov 18, 2019 | 7:42 PM
Andrée Yvonne Martinson
May 4, 1920 – November 14, 2019
Andrée Y. Martinson was born May 4, 1920, in Blonay, Switzerland and was the fourth of five daughters to Henri and Mery (Bonjour) Felley. The village of Blonay overlooked Lake Geneva and the French Alps a short distance from the French border. Andrée carried her Swiss nationality, French culture, and the beloved landscape of her youth forever in her heart.
She began school in Blonay, Switzerland and later studied an art curriculum at L’Ecole Superieur des Jeunes Filles at Vevey, Switzerland that was a short commuter train ride from her home.
At the outset of the Second World War in 1939, Switzerland remained neutral and its borders were closed. Among foreign nationals who were unable to leave the country was Andrée’s future husband, Herbert Martinson, an Estonian who had been receiving medical treatment for Tuberculosis. He was granted “privileged refugee” status during the war and began his medical studies. They were married in 1945.
shortly after, they emigrated to Ireland where Herbert continued his studies. Andrée loved the Irish and spoke dearly of Ireland being her spiritual home. Their stay was followed by a series of medical internships in England and amid those many moves Andrée was able to study the visual arts. In 1963 Herbert accepted an invitation to practice in Saskatchewan under Medi-Care.
They were first sent to Kinistino, SK and later, on the invitation of Dr. Norval Hjertaas Herbert took a position at the Prince Albert Community Clinic in Prince Albert, SK. After years of travel Andrée settled here and lived in her home until her passing.
Throughout her life there were many trials and adventures. Her home was both her anchor and inspiration. After a ten-year break, she began painting again. Her art matured to what we have come to recognize today. She has taken part in numerous groups and one-person exhibitions during which culminated in a retrospective exhibition at the Mann Art Gallery in 2015.
Andrée had a deep Christian faith and found wonder and joy in the life around her. Ageless at 99, friends for life were drawn to her dynamic personality.She loved her dogs and all aspects of nature such as the birds she saw daily, the deer that walked across her lawn, and the little fox that lived at the bottom of her yard. She loved the flowers and trees and the great Saskatchewan skies.
she resisted fear with love.
Andrée is survived by her nieces and nephews: Guido Schubert of Epalinges, Switzerland, Janine Sommer, of Blonay, Switzerland, Catherine Gimmel Gerber of Arbon, Switzerland, Marc-Henri Lavanchy, of Lausanne, Switzerland, Jean-Luc Baierlé of Porrentruy, Switzerland, and Laurent Baierlé of Seeliberg, Switzerland.
Andrée was predeceased by her husband Herbert Martinson 09/13/1997, sisters: Juliette Schubert, 10/01/2000, Germaine Felley, 06/19/1944, Nelly Lavanchy, 07/12/1977, Heidi Baierlé, 10/09/2008; niece and nephews Claire-Lise Lavanchy, 01/08/2019, Jean-Paul Lavanchy, 06/20/2011, and Pierre Baierlé, 09/08/2012.
A Funeral Service will be held on at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019. at Saint Alban’s Cathedral, 1410 Bishop McClean Crescent, Prince Albert, SK with Reverend Bishop Hawkins officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andree’s’ memory to Prince Albert Safe Shelter, 923 7 St E, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6T3 The Nest- 1322 Central Ave, Prince Albert, SK S6V 4W3. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.
- Date : 2019-11-14
- Location : Prince Albert, SK