Martens, Helena Abrahams (1930-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Aug 12 p. 28

Birth date: 1930 May 11

text of obituary:

HELENA MARTENS

Helena Martens died Apr. 20. She was born May 11, 1930 to Jacob and Katharine Abrahams. Because of the lack of food, she barely survived infancy. On one occasion her mother shared that she needed lard to make supper. Helena prayed and God sent lard. At that point God became real to her and she accepted Him as her Saviour. She prayed faithfully. When she was 14, her father died. She married Jake Martens in 1956. They lived in northern B.C. She became involved in the Anglican church. She became ill with an intolerance to gluten and prayed for healing but the answer was "My grace is sufficient for you." She taught Good News Club in the neighbourhood and Sunday school in church. She sewed most of the clothes for her children and later blankets for needy children in other countries. She worked at the MCC thrift store. She is mourned by Jake; sons Ray, Brian, Clarence; daughter Joy; 8 grandchildren; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 25 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Paul Walker ministering.