This month, Alberta’s New Democrats are remembering and celebrating the lives of two remarkable women whose contributions shaped our party, advanced social justice, and opened doors for women in politics.

Donna Martyn (1946-2025)

Donna Martyn was a passionate human rights advocate, a devoted New Democrat, and a key organizer in our movement. Diagnosed with ALS at 19 and told she wouldn’t live long, Donna defied all expectations with a life of activism and impact.

Donna was a founding member and long-time Treasurer of the Edmonton Riverview New Democrats. She often welcomed volunteers into her home to plan campaigns, including her own in 2004 and Jack Layton’s 2008 federal run in Edmonton Centre. She also helped found the Alberta New Democrats Women’s Caucus and the Olga Blondheim Fund (now the Blondheim Babcock Fund), which supports women running for office.

Beyond politics, she was a supporter of Friends of Medicare and an avid patron of Edmonton’s arts and festival scene. Donna was recently nominated for the King Charles III Medal by MLA Lori Sigurdson, and her family will accept the award on her behalf on May 22.

Donna lived a life defined by courage, generosity, and deep commitment to her community.

Read more about Donna's remarkable life in the obituary published by her family.

Thank you, Donna.

Starr Curry (1947-2025)

Starr Curry leaves behind a powerful legacy of social justice and service. A social worker and educator with a Master’s from Dalhousie University, Starr mentored the next generation at Norquest and Portage Colleges. She also helped launch Alberta's New Democrats Women’s Caucus and the Olga Blondheim Fund as a founding member, championing women’s representation in politics.

Starr’s activism began in the 1970s and spanned decades. She was a dedicated volunteer for MLA Alex McEachern, who called her his “right-hand person,” and served as President of the Edmonton Calder New Democrats, working to elect David Eggen. Her tireless work—making calls, raising funds, encouraging candidates—made a lasting difference.

She was known not just for her political dedication, but for always lifting up others: her students, her colleagues, her family, and her community. We recognize Starr as a trailblazer for our party, and we honour her legacy.

Friends of Starr are planning a memorial service at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton. If you would like to receive information about the service when it is available, please send an email to [email protected].

Thank you, Starr.