Doerksen, Maria Siemens (1904-1991)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1991 Nov 8 p. 28

Birth date: 1904 Aug 25

text of obituary:

MARIA DOERKSEN

Maria Doerksen of Winnipeg passed away Sept. 10. She was born Aug. 25, 1904 to Jacob and Aganetha Siemens in Wernersdorf, Ukraine. They moved to Terek 6 months later. Shortly after, her father contracted typhoid fever and her 12-year-old brother assumed the role of provider. In February, 1918 the family fled from bandits to Savarovka , returning a few months later. In 1919 she accepted Jesus, was baptized and joined the Allianz Church. In June, 1924 the family immigrated to Canada. They spent a year in Vineland, Ont., then moved to Pigeon Lake, Man. She married Henry Doerksen Apr. 7, 1929. They worked hard together. Their home was always open to others: famIly, foster children and friends. She had a special eye for seeing the beauty around her. They would sing a round the table in the evening. Sunday morning breakfasts were special, with good dishes, flowers and zwieback. During World War II she sent many parcels to Europe with prayer. In 1968 they retired to Winnipeg, joining South End (now) Central) MB Church. They served as deacons for several years. Henry died in 1980. She moved to Donwood Manor Aug. 5, 1986. She often read the Bible. Even after a stroke in June, 1987, she prayed a lot. She is survived by her daughter Manja Giesbrecht, son Walter, 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 14 in Central MB Church, with Abe Quiring, Bill Schroeder and Gerhard Friesen ministering.