HELEN MARTENS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELEN MARTENS March 17, 1916 - October 26, 2016 Helen Martens (nee Wiebe) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the age of 100 at the Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, Winnipeg, MB. Helen's memory will be cherished by her six daughters, Lydia (Jake) Epp, Esther (Peter) Penner, Helen (Herb) Rempel, Elma Martens, Marilyn (Richard) Wijdekop and Sherry (Norm) Sukkau; her five grandchildren, Lisa, Carla, Julie, Michael and Nathan as well as five great-grandchildren, Melissa, Mackenzie, Matthew, Brooklyn and Sophie. She is also survived by two sisters, Sarah Thiessen and Mary Hiebert. Helen was predeceased by her husband Peter; two sons, Philip and Peter; granddaughter Melanie and two brothers, Jake and Henry Wiebe. Helen was born in Friedensruh, Siberia in 1916 and together with her family immigrated to Steinbach, MB, in 1929. She began working at the young age of 14 to help support her family. Helen began her walk with Christ at the age of 14 and would continue to nurture her relationship with God for the rest of her life. Helen married Peter in 1938, a marriage that lasted 57 years. Helen dedicated her life to raising her family and working alongside her husband in a life of ministry in pastoring many churches throughout Manitoba. Helen enjoyed hosting family and many friends in their home all of whom were fortunate to take in her passion for cooking Mennonite specialities. Helen and her husband Peter moved to Winkler in 1973, where they enjoyed attending Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church. After being widowed in 1995, Helen moved to Lion's Manor, moving to Bethania for the last nine months where she would enjoy a special 100th birthday celebration. Mom inspired her family with her integrity, perseverance, work ethic and commitment to her family and her Lord and Saviour. Special thanks to the staff at Bethania for their loving care and support. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52W, Steinbach, MB. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Helen may be made to Back to the Bible. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2016