Martens, Sarah Dueck (1896-1978)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 July 7 p. 31

Birth date: 1896 Mar 01

text of obituary;

MRS. SARAH MARTENS

Sarah Martens was born to Nicholas and Anna Dueck on March 1,1896, in Hamberg Molotschna, south Russia. Her father died when she was five years old and her widowed mother married Franz Mathies. Sarah enjoyed happy childhood and school years, finding particular joy in singing. She accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and was baptized upon the confession of her faith.

She married Peter Jacob Martens of Landskrone on March 10, 1921. The couple encountered many hardships and difficulties and in 1926 they emigrated to Canada settling with their two children in Namaka, Alta. During their stay in Namaka, five more children were added to the fami1y, but two died in infancy. She was rebaptized by Rev. Aaron Toews at the time of her husband's baptism, and together they became members of the Namaka Mennonite Brethren Church.

The family moved to Ontario in 1938 and resided in Vineland for two years before settling on a farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake She was involved in the ladies mission group in the Virgil (Ont) Church for as long as she was able. In 1971 she and her husband celebrated 50 years of marriage. Mr. Martens passed away on April 2, 1973. She underwent surgery twice during the last six years, but continued to display hope and cheerfulness despite the trials. She was hospitalized again in April, and on May 22 she went to be with the Lord.

She leaves to mourn three sons with their families, Frank, Erwin and Rudy; two daughters, Anne (Mrs. Ernest Rempel and Loretta; nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.