Martens, Barbara Janzen (1909-2004)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Mar 18 p. 28

Birth date: 1909 Feb 20

text of obituary:

BARBARA MARTENS

Barbara Martens died Dec. 17. She was born Feb. 20, 1909 in Rudnerweide, Ukraine to David and Barbara Janzen. Her mother died when Barbara was 7. Her father married Margaret Thiessen. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1924, coming to Pincher Creek, Alta. after a year and a half. She married Peter Martens Aug. 5, 1928. They farmed in Coaldale for 13 years. In 1941 they moved to Arnold, B.C., joining Arnold MB Church. In 1963 they moved to Clearbrook, attending Clearbrook MB Church. She served on the food committee and sewed. She worked for Clearbrook Frozen Foods. She enjoyed gardening, particularly dahlias and gladioli, and reading. In 1986 they moved to Evergreen Village, Abbotsford. She prayed faithfully for her family and her church. She sewed children's outfits for MCC and crocheted about 80 afghans each year for the last 10 years. Predeceased by Peter in May 1993, 1 grandson, 2 brothers, 1 sister, she is mourned by children Peter of Woodburn, Ore., Margaret Symons of Richmond, B.C., David of Waterloo, Ont., Frank of Panama, Vic of Abbotsford and Barbara Wilkie of Coquitlam; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 28 in Clearbrook MB Church with Walter Wiens ministering.