Derksen, Susan Thiessen (1900-1991)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1991 Oct 25 p. 27

Birth date: 19oo June 7

text of obituary:

SUSAN DERKSEN

Susan Derksen of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Sept. 4. She was born June 7, 1900 to Abram and Susan Thiessen in Lichtfelde, Taurida, Russia. She became a Christian at 12; at 19 she was baptized and joined the MB church. She married Cornelius Jacob Derksen Sept. 22, 1923 in Kalentarovka, Russia. They immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. in 1930. In 1932 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they had a store, butcher shop and retail lumber business. She worked hard helping her husband and raising their children. In 1946 Cornelius died in a trucking accident in Burnaby, B.C. while hauling lumber, leaving her with 10 children, the youngest a baby. With the Lord's help she raised her family, providing for them by raising calves and milking cows. In 1970 she moved from the farm to a house within walking distance of Central Heights MB Church. In 1982 she and 2 children moved to an apartment in Clearbrook. She took complete responsibility for her 2 handicapped children and never neglected their care. She loved to take care of her grandchildren and prayed for the whole family. She left an example of unselfish ways, using Ps. 37:3-6 and other Scriptures as a guide. For the last 5 years, son John cared for her. Predeceased by her husband and 1 grandson, she is mourned by daughters Helen Dennison, Mary Hamm, Susie Derksen and Margaret Allen; sons Cornie, Abe, Jake, Henry, John and Herb; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister.