Derksen, Maria Guenther (1900-2000)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Jan 05 p.28

Birth date: 1900 Oct 02

text of obituary:

MARIA DERKSEN

Maria Derksen of Winnipeg passed away Oct. 19. She was born Oct. 2, 1900 in Rosental, Ukraine. In 1923 she married Peter Derksen. In 1937 he was taken away by the Soviet police, never to return home. She was left to care for 6 children. In 1941 her eldest son Peter, 16, was deported to eastern Russia, never to be heard from again. In 1948 the family came to Canada. For many years, she lived in her own home and hosted many relatives and friends. She was a member of North Kildonan MB Church in Winnipeg. In 1982 she moved to Donwood South, where she enjoyed the company of many friends. The last 3 years, she lived in Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. She firmly believed in God and Christ as her Saviour. Predeceased by Peter; 2 children, 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchiIdren, she is mourned by children Kaethe Sawatzky, John, Victor and Mary Pries; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 23 in McIvor Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg.