Sawatzky, Margarethe Derksen (1905-1989)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Jan 12 p. 28

Birth date: 1905

text of obituary:

MARGARETHE SAWATZKY

Margarethe Sawatzky, a member of King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., passed away Nov. 25 . She was born Nov. 15, 1905 to Isaak and Margarete Derksen in Neuendorf, Russia. Her father died of typhoid at 39, and the family suffered from famine. In 1923 the family immigrated to southern Manitoba. Life was hard, but she enjoyed work. She married Cornelius Sawatzky Nov. 15, 1925. Though life was a struggle, they were happy people. They were farmers, and times improved. They had grown up in religious homes and were church members, but conversion was unknown. Through the Word of God and friends, she became a child of God, sought fellowship with believers and was happy. Through her witness Cornelius also received salvation. To lead someone to Jesus was her joy and motto. They had a grocery store in B.C., and people found the Lord there. Even in the hospital she took time to witness, and an elderly Catholic lady accepted the Lord. In August, 1952 Margarethe and Cornelius were baptized and joined Grossweide MB Church. In 1971 she had a heart attack and in 1976 a stroke; heart surgery in 1980 was worthwhile, as she was a blessing to many since then. Cornelius died Apr. 30, 1988. She never complained, but had a great longing. She always did her best to be courageous. She prayed with the conviction of forgiveness and an eternal dwelling place. Predeceased by her husband, 2 grandchildren and 2 brothers, she is mourned by her children Sara of Abbotsford, Abram of Lowe Farm, Man., Martha Peters of Kelowna, B.C. and Agatha Krahn of Abbotsford.