One of Martha Gartrell’s former students remembers Martha as “a person who demonstrated each day a love of life and learning.”  That student, Sharon Irving, was inspired and encouraged enough by Martha to study mathematics and eventually become a teacher herself.
Martha taught in the Port Arthur/Fort William area, chiefly at Fort William C.I., where she was the mathematics department head. During her tenure there she worked hard to bring computer studies to the school. She helped to create the Northwestern Ontario chapter of O.A.M.E.  She was also a strong supporter of the Canadian Mathematics Competition.
She was born in New York City, but moved to Selkirk, Ontario, at the age of eight. Two years later she moved to Hamilton where she completed her elementary and secondary education. After graduating from McMaster University, she taught elementary school for several years in Hamilton, moving to Fort William in 1946.
Martha shared her love of teaching with her husband who taught mathematics at the same school.