In September 2020, MEI alumni were asked via the MEI alumni e-news and social media about the teachers who influenced them during their time at MEI Schools. The flood of responses about Miss Nora Martens was incredible, and we’ve collected some of the many comments on this post. Read more responses about other teachers here.
Miss Nora Martens
Taught at MEI Secondary 1964-1995
“How could you forget a gem like Nora Martens! She was such a fabulous Home Ec. teacher! Back when sewing your clothes was cheaper than buying them at Winners. Along with the practical things like hemming pants and how to lay out a pattern, she taught us the finer details of how to sew a fitted suit, how to make the perfect buttonhole pocket, and how to make your own pattern. When I was getting married and sewing my dress I brought it to her at school so she could help me with the detailing in the bodice. It was such an honour to be called back a few years later and model it during a fashion show when she was retiring. Although she never married she gave us advice and council on boys and dating if we asked and we knew she gave it in confidence and love. I went on to sew many a wedding dress or formal gown for others and had my own altering business thanks to her teaching. She made a real impact on me and many other girls in her class. She cared about what she taught as well as the student and that was obvious to us all. She is missed!”
Susan (Toews) Suderman, Class of 1984
“Everyone that loved Miss Martens thought they were her favorite student. We all wanted to be like her someday.”
Patricia Neufeld, Class of 1977
Andrea Hildebrandt Miss Martens 💕. The best!
Bonnie Hughes Andrea Hildebrandt she really was!❤️Jaime Fuest Andrea Hildebrandt probably one of the best people you could ever meet in life. She was kind, sweet, could run an army, and was so real. Knowing her was a gift
Cathy Dyck Wiebe Miss Martens was THE BEST!!!!!
Deanna Michelle I adored Miss Martens! She and her class were a refuge of calm (except when a seam needed ripping out!) She also did a fabulous job on my bridesmaid’s dresses.
Leann Koshurba McLachlan Loved that lady.
Lori Nickel She really was the kind of teacher you’d want every kid to have.Lori Stobbe Neigh Lori Nickel I agree! Best ever!!Karen Louise Davies Lori Stobbe Neigh I agree as well! She didn’t even get upset when I inserted a bobbin the wrong way, and it took her ages to get it out. She just said that she hadn’t realized it was possible! 🙂
Stephanie Denise Fox She was an amazing woman. I think she finished my 9th grade sewing project for me😳What a gem!Bonnie Hughes Stephanie Denise Fox I don’t think you were the only one😂 and did she then give “herself” a good grade on it?
Michael Froese I saw the picture, and only remembered that she was very, very nice…. what a great way to be known, heh?
Tania Friesen Rempel Miss Martens! Grade 8 sewing. Such great memories. Anyone that would attempt to teach me any sewing skills is simply an incredible human!
Audrey Epp Hoehn I loved Miss Martens! 💜
Brayden Sawatzky Of all the teachers she was the most patient and the kindest; you always felt good around her and memories of Miss Martens are all about happiness 😊
Fritz Peters Nora Martens was an amazing teacher. She was someone you could confide in. She loved her students and was always available for them. Her smile brightened the hallway.
