Martens, Maria Friesen (1897-1991)

'Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1991 Dec 6 p. 25

Birth date: 1897 Mar 25

text ob obituary:

MARIA MARTENS

Maria Martens of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Nov. 1. She was born Mar. 25, 1897 to John and Agatha Friesen in Herzenber g, southern Russia. The family soon moved to Gortchakovo, Ufa, returning 11 years later. At 15, she took a seamstress course in Rueck enau, Molotschna, beginning a vocation at which she excelled. At 18, she carne to the Lord, was baptized and joined the Herzenberg MB Church. In 1918 she married Abram Martens of Rueckenau. In 1924 they immigrated to Canada, living on farms in Borden, Sask. and Arnaud, Man. In 1927 they moved to Winnipeg. She worked hard, caring for her family and working on sewing projects, which were often the only source of family income. In 1946 they moved to a berry farm in Chilliwack, B.C. Abram died in 1957. She and youngest daughter Elfrieda moved to the house of daughter Agnes Wiens in Vancouver. In 1977 she moved to Tabor Horne, Clearbrook, where 2 sisters and 1 brother also lived. She is remembered for her strong faith in the Lord and love and dedicated service for her family. She was an avid reader on many subjects. She enjoyed making blankets and quilts for family and MCC. She loved organizing family picnics. When this was no longer possible, she took the whole family to a hotel every year for Christmas dinner. Predeceased by her husband, daughter Agnes Wiens, son George, 2 sisters and 3 brothers, she is mourned by her children Victor of Winnipeg, Rudy of Surrey, B.C. and Elfrieda Morrison of Vancouver; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grand children; 1 sister and 4 brothers.