Martens, Elsie K. Isaaks (1940-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2003 Jan 17 p. 28

Birth date: 1940 Mar 27

text of obituary:

ELSIE K. MARTENS

Elsie K. Martens passed away Nov. 11. She was born Mar. 27, 1940 to Cornelius and Anna Isaaks in Abbotsford, B.C. Her father drowned during the 1948 flood, leaving her mother with 9 children. Her mom held the family together, teaching Christian values and modelling trust in God's care. Elsie gave her life to the Lord at 9; 7 years later, she was baptized and joined Central Heights Church. After high school, she moved to Vancouver and worked as a receptionist for Royal Bank. In 1963 she married John Petkau; several years later, they moved to Abbotsford to farm. They divorced in 1990. She worked as bookkeeper at Central Heights Church for 12 years. She married Bob Martens in 1992. She was bookkeeper for Central Heights Preschool for the next 7 years. She and Bob enjoyed backpacking, hiking, walking, jogging and car-camping. At church, she was involved in choir, Sunday school, Joint Heirs Ladies Ensemble and various committees. She encouraged people who were hurting, through Christians in Crisis and Divorce Care at church and through offering a listening ear on the telephone, in person or over coffee. She had a deep unconditional love for her children and grandchildren; contributed hard work, organizational skills and love of fun to gatherings of family and friends; volunteered at the Salvation Army meal centre; hosted weekend camping groups with Bob at Stillwood Camp; and made her own Christmas cards. In August she became ill with inoperable, aggressive cancer, but maintained her trust in God. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Bob, children Carmen Perrett and Michael Petkau; step-children Heather Kleyn and Jeff Martens; 3 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 5 sisters. The memorial service was Nov. 14 in Central Heights Church, with Chris Douglas ministering.