Doerksen/Dick, Mary Olfert (1915-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Mar 16 p. 29

Birth date: 1915 May 20

text of obituary:

MARY DOERKSEN/DICK

Mary Doerksen/Dick of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Jan. 14. She was born May 20, 1915 to Heinrich and Anna Olfert in Gnadental, Baratov Colony, Ukraine. In 1927 the family immigrated to Rosengart, Man. She completed grade 5 in Steinbach, Man. The family moved to Griswold, Man, where they farmed for 5 years. She left school to help on the farm. They moved to a homestead at McCreary, Man., where Mary helped her brothers clear bush, dig wells and care for livestock. In 1935 she went to Winnipeg to work in wealthy homes. She married Herman Doerksen July 1, 1939 at Pigeon . Lake, Man. They were baptized and joined South End MB Church in Winnipeg. In 1946 they moved to Yarrow, B.C., where Henry worked in the automotive trade. In 1947 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. They joined North Abbotsford (now Clearbrook) MB Church. Mary was involved in sewing circles, choirs, refugee relief work and caring for seniors in her home. She volunteered at Menno Home and the Red Cross. For years she picked berries and hops and worked for Clearbrook Frozen Foods. She was chief cook at Clarendon Court (a Baptist seniors' home) in Vancouver in the late 1960s and was a nanny in Vancouver in the early 70s. In 1977 Herman died of a heart attack. A year later, she married Jacob J. Dick, a former missionary to India. They later travelled across Europe to visit the mission in India. Shortly thereafter, Jacob died of a heart attack. She lived alone for 20 years, most of that time in Fernwood Manor. Her health declined, and though she was unable to attend church, she faithfully listened to the church broadcast at home. She is remembered as a kind, generous, loving person whose strong faith sustained her through ill health and good times. Family was important to her. Predeceased by both husbands, 4 brothers, 3 sisters and stepson Paul Dueck, she is mourned by children Irene Schmor, Henry and John; stepchildren Helga Good, Harold, Bill, Marge Sykes, Helen Friesen and Elizabeth Olausen; 7 grandchildren; 1 greatgrandson and 4 brothers. The memorial service was Jan. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen and Jay Neufeld ministering.