Durksen, Hedy Enns (1922-2007)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2007 Oct p. 30

Birth date: 1922 Nov 9

text of obituary:

HEDY DURKSEN

Hedy Durksen died suddenly June 25. She I was born Nov. 9, 1922 in Halbstadt, Ukraine to Gerhard and Agatha Enns. Hedy came to Canada at a young age, settling first in Ontario and then in southern Manitoba. She attended schools in Winnipeg and Oakville and worked in an office until marrying David Durksen in 1948 and embracing her role as wife and mother. Throughout her life Hedy taught Sunday school, led community Bible studies, sponsored youth groups, and travelled extensively around the world. Hedy was a successful writer, authoring a book entitled Along Highways and Hedges, as well as regular columns for the Mennonite Reporter, "Just Around the House"(1961-67), and the MB Herald, "Wayside Inn" (1967-75). She was the first woman ever invited to speak at a Mennonite World Conference, in Amsterdam in 1967. A talented watercolour artist, Hedy was also an avid reader and daily crossword puzzle solver. Predeceased by David, her husband of 46 years; 1 sister; she is mourned by children Joanne (Marv) Thiessen, Paul (Cheryl) Durksen, Virginia (Tony Warren) Durksen, and Lois (Brian) McNaughton; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grand- children; 2 sisters. The funeral was at Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg.