Willems, Elizabeth Derksen (1901-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jul 14 p. 28

Birth date: 1901 Jan 12

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH WILLEMS

Elizabeth Willems passed away Mar. 6. She was born Jan. 12, 1901 to Gerhard and Anna Derksen in Hochfeld, Russia. When she was 4, the family came to Canada. She grew up in Borden, Sask., attending school for only a few years. In 1915 she accepted Christ. In September 1918 she was baptized and joined Borden MB Church. She was an excellent cook. She was in charge of baking and cooking for 6 of her sisters' weddings. She helped others with their housework when they needed help. She married Isaac A. Willems Feb. 28, 1935. They were mission-minded and often hosted preachers in their home. She was practical and resourceful, knowing how to make something beautiful out of very little. She was an usher and helped in the kitchen in Brotherfield MB Church, Waldheim, Sask. She supported Isaac in all his endeavours. In 1953 they moved to Saskatoon, where they worked as janitors. In 1956 her mother moved in with them; Elizabeth cared for her for over 10 years. Until 1978, she and Isaac enjoyed going out to their quartersection in Waldheim to work a small garden and walk among the grain. In 1979, after Isaac died, she moved into a suite in Central Place in Saskatoon. In 1996 she moved to Bethany Villa. After breaking a leg and an arm, she moved to Warman (Sask.) Mennonite Special Care Home. Predeceased by Isaac, 2 brothers and 7 sisters, she is mourned by sisters Maria Martens and Susan Hamm; and brother Henry.