Sawatsky, Mary Nettie Martens (1929-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Apr 14 p. 28

Birth date: 1929 Dec 17

text of obituary:

MARY NETTIE SAWATSKY

Mary Nettie Sawatsky passed away Jan. 22 in Abbotsford, B.C., after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 17, 1929 to Abram and Aganetha Martens in Lena, Man. She accepted Christ at 13 and was baptized at 16. She was a teacher for many years in the Lena district. She was well-loved by her students for her patient and caring spirit. In 1965 she married Peter Sawatsky, a widower with 6 young children. She devoted her life to loving and raising her family. She supported Peter on the farm and loved tending her garden and growing flowers. In 1974 they started Sawatsky's Jewellery, which they ran for 14 years in Killarney, Man. Here they made lasting friendships. She was active in Lakeview MB Church, serving as ladies' fellowship president, Sunday school teacher and librarian for many years. In 1992 they bought a condo in Abbotsford, B.C., living there 6 months of the year and the other 6 months at Killarney Lake. They cherished new friends in B.C. and close friends in Manitoba. Her strength of character and steady faith in God sustained her through tough times. Predeceased by sons Lawrence in 1996 and Ron in 1999, she is mourned by Peter; daughters Cheryl Allan, Eileen Baerg, Myrna-Lynn Hildebrand and Adrienne Kroeker; 24 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Funeral services were held Jan. 26 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, and Jan. 28 in Lakeview MB Church, Killarney.