Giesbrecht, Mary Derksen (1914-2004)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2004 Mar 19 p. 28

Birth date: 1914 Nov 11

text of obituary:

MARY GIESBRECHT

Mary Giesbrecht died Jan. 23. She was born in Trubetzkoy, Ukraine, Nov. 11, 1914 to Heinrich and Susanna Derksen. She worked to help the family. She married Henry Giesbrecht Dec. 4, 1934. In 1943 they moved to Germany. Henry was conscripted into the German army and became a prisoner of war. She refused to return to Russia, even though threatened with death. The family was reunited in 1948. They immigrated to Canada. She and the children worked to help the family. She and Henry decided to follow Jesus on New Year's, 1950 and were baptized, joining Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church. They served the church in catering and as deacons. She was courageous and had strong convictions. She prayed for her family. Predeceased by 10 siblings, Mary is mourned by Henry; sons Henry of Abbotsford, Helmut of Terrace, B.C.; daughters Zena Locken and Mary of Abbotsford; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 30 in Clearbrook MB Church.