MARTIN, Grace
1965 – 2025
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Mrs. Grace Asantewaa Martin (nee Atakora) was born on December 24, 1965 in Kahu Twenedurase, Ghana, to Nathaniel and Janet Atakora. She passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 59 years. As the only daughter and second youngest of ten children, Grace was deeply loved by her parents and brothers. In her early years, Grace loved to sing, cook, and spend time at her mother’s sewing machine, where she first discovered her creativity. She excelled in her studies and served her peers as a prefect in school. In 1984, she met her future husband, Michael Martin while he was teaching English with Crossroads International in Abetifi, Kwahu, Ghana. They were married on January 17, 1989, in Mpraeso, Kwahu, Ghana. Shortly after, they moved to Michael’s hometown, on the other side of the world, to Eston, Saskatchewan to build their life together. Life in Saskatchewan for Grace was filled with the early years of motherhood and deeply rooted community as the family resided in Eston, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. She boasted a successful career as a seamstress and found so much joy in creating pieces that would last a lifetime. In 1998, the family settled in Red Deer, Alberta, where Grace eventually opened a dayhome and provided nurturing care to many children in the community. She, alongside her family, were actively involved at Living Stones Church. Her faith is truly what guided her the most as she navigated all of the highs and lows that life brings. In a speech at her daughter’s wedding she made only a few weeks before she left this earth, she made two things very clear; her love for her family, and her unwavering faith in God.
Grace is survived by her husband, Michael; children, Nathan Martin (Kelsey), Andy Martin, Abbey Froese (Mathias), and Daniel Martin; her brothers, Christian, Eugene Agyei, Rev. Eugene Asiedu, Rev. Emmanuel, Joseph, and Ebenezer Atakora; as well as her nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Nathaniel and Janet Atakora; and her brothers Seth, Ernest, and Sampson Atakora.
A Funeral Service was held at Living Stones Church, 2020 – 40 Avenue, Red Deer, on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. A viewing will be held at the Church one hour prior, starting at 1:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be live streamed by Living Stones Church, accessible with this link: https://www.livingstones.ab.ca/live/ and by Parkland Funeral Home, accessible with this link: https://www.parklandfuneralhome.com/live-stream. If desired, Memorial Donations in Grace’s honour may be sent directly to the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Center at www.pregnancycare.ca, an organization Michael and Grace supported over the years, or to Living Stones Church at www.livingstones.ab.ca.
While we are devastated by Grace’s passing, we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). We find comfort knowing that Grace is in the presence of God, completely healed and whole. Grace will be so deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.
Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-10-06
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com