Derksen, Margarete Esau (1903-1971)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1971 May 28

Birth date: 1903 Jul 20

text of obituary:

MARGARETE DERKSEN

Mrs. Margarete Derksen was born in Neukirch, Russia on July 20, 1903 to Mr. and Mrs. Aron Esau. She grew up with six brothers and sisters, though the Lord called two of her younger brothers home at an early age. She accepted the Lord as her Saviour, and was baptized at the age of 14 in Tiege, Sagradovka. She faithfully worked with her parents until her marriage to Bernhard Derksen in 1922. They had ten children of which two remain. She was faithful to the Lord in spite of the many trials she experienced during her lifetime. In 1926 the Esaus immigrated to Canada, leaving Mrs. Derksen and her family behind. In 1939 her husband was taken from her and she was left with two daughters to care for.

When the Second World War broke out. she fled with her family to Poland, then to East Germany, and finally to West Germany where she was given shelter in the Mennonite Camp at Baknang. In 1949 she joined her parents, a brother, and two sisters in Canada. She became a member of the MB church in Yarrow that year, and joyfully testified of all that her Lord had done for her. But she had more difficulties to face. Because of illness she had to be cared for at the Tabor Home in Clearbrook. Further illness took her to the M.S .A. Hospital in Abbotsford, then to the Cottage Hospital where she remained for one year. From there she was transferred to the Menno Hospital, where she lived her last year. Her journey had been long and trying, but her faith in God was not shaken. She quietly slipped away on April 26.

She leaves to mourn her two daughters Mrs. Margarete Hunt of Abbotsford, and Mrs. Mary Peters of Yarrow, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother, George Esau of Chilliwack, and one sister, Mrs. Netti Janzen of Watrous, Sask.