Obituary of Martha Jane McCandless

Martha Jane McCandless passed away on January 25, 2026, at the age of 76.

She was born October 6, 1949, the daughter of the late Vernon Samuel McCandless of Strathroy, and the late Ruth Patricia (Parker) McCandless Hanson, of Hamilton. Extended family included Vernon’s second wife the late Evelyne Shirley (Hewitt, Ridler, McCandless) and companion, the late Margaret Bowman

Aunt Clara McCandless Thomas and Uncle Morley Keith Thomas were always on hand with kind words and thoughtful guidance throughout their long lives in conversation and witty comments and their endless devotion to the McCandless-Sullivan family. 

Martha Jane never married; however, she lived 30 years with roommate Gale Marjorie Bieman 1944-2007 as friend and confidante.

Martha Jane was a member of the Strathroy Skating Club (1950’s), an Alumna of Fanshawe College (1969-1971), member of The London Chamber of Commerce 1983-1993, member of the Canadian Authors Association (2001-2009), Member of the Strathroy Turkey Club (1978), and lastly the Folio Society 2012.

Martha Jane worked mainly in various facets of the newspaper business – at the Strathroy Age Dispatch, The London Free Press and the London Penny saver 1972-73, 1980, 1990-2009. Before this Martha Jane worked for her father at the Downham Nursery in various roles. After this, Martha Jane worked tirelessly in healthcare (1974-1977).

At the age of 62 years Martha Jane attended the Fine Arts and Design School at Fanshawe College in London for 5 years to take up a long-time interest and hobby which she enjoyed for the rest of her life. Her many paintings are cherished by her family.

Martha Jane remained indebted to cousins Stephen Thomas, Mary Attfield and Tyler Thomas for their passion in the Arts and never faltering through rough patches of her life.

Donations in Martha’s memory may be made to the Strathroy General Hospital Foundation.