AGATHA MARTENS

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AGATHA MARTENS At Bethania Personal Care Home, with her hands connecting us to her loving spirit, Agatha passed away on June 27, 2013 at the age of 96. We sang her to heaven. Born Agatha Schroeder in Arkadak, Russia on April 6, 1917, her early years and peaceful nature would have to contend with the Russian Revolution, a harrowing migration to Manitoba, and the difficulties of finally settling in a house on William Avenue where she had to learn a new language. She lived close to the William Avenue Public Library and that was where her life long love of books began. She often expressed her gratitude for the "kind government" who helped them come to a country where they didn't fear for their lives and where they had religious freedom. As a young woman she needed to help support her parents and so worked as a domestic and lived at the Maedchenheim - a hostel for Mennonite young women on Bannatyne Avenue. At a friend's wedding she met Abram Martens whom she married in 1939. They lived an interesting life together until his death in 1977. They shared a love of God, family, story telling, Christmas and West Hawk Lake. Her loving brother John Schroeder (Ruth) is the last of the 15 children born to Johann and Anna. She outlived most of her friends as well. Tiny in stature she remained, until the end, the epicentre of her family of 54. She was a powerhouse of energy and attracted children to her with her deep interest in them and their lives. Her unwavering faith, grateful heart and a lifetime of service are an inspiration to us. Children were the highlight of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her children Edward (Pat) Martens, Marlene (Henry) Neufeld, Catheryn Martens (Steve Ratzlaff), Carry (Will) Barnes of Winnipeg and Richard (Carole) Martens of Minneapolis, MN as well as by her special "adopted" daughter Mariko Matsumoto (Bruce) and her children Bill and Paul. Eleven of her 14 grandchildren live in Winnipeg - Leslie (Peter), Christine (Jason), Curtis (Tina), Beth, Cam (Shauna), Ben, Jacquie (Bob), Nicholas (Stephanie), Ally (Brian), Maxime, Dorian; Richelle (Matt) and Joel (Carrie) live in Minneapolis; Daniel (Jayanna) lives in Victoria. She was so happy to have 19 great-grandchildren. Her siblings brought her many nieces and nephews whose friendships she cherished. Agatha liked to be busy crocheting, cooking and baking and all the time singing songs, hymns and listening to the radio. She served on boards and belonged to the first women's group (Edelweiss Verein) at church. She was actively involved in Autumn House, enjoying her many roles such as being on the board, serving in the kitchen and leading festivities. She was a faithful member of her most beloved First Mennonite Church, where she worshiped and sang, and taught Sunday school. She felt that by serving others she could serve God. While unassuming, Agatha was a spiritual leader who influenced many lives, sometimes by words, but most often by example. Over the past eight years she was very well served by staff and volunteers at Arlington Haus and this past year by the amazing staff at Bethania Personal Care Home. Bless you all! A service commemorating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. (viewing at 10:30 a.m.) on Monday, July 8, 2013 at First Mennonite Church, Notre Dame and Alverstone, with Rev. Kathy Koop officiating. Following lunch, interment at Brookside Cemetery. Donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee. Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma - we love you to the moon and back.
Publish Date: Jul 6, 2013

AGATHA MARTENS At Bethania Personal Care Home, with her hands connecting us to her loving spirit, Agatha passed away on June 27, 2013 at the age of 96. We sang her to heaven. Born Agatha Schroeder in Arkadak, Russia on April 6, 1917, her early years and peaceful nature would have to contend with the Russian Revolution, a harrowing migration to Manitoba, and the difficulties of finally settling in a house on William Avenue where she had to learn a new language. She lived close to the William Avenue Public Library and that was where her life long love of books began. She often expressed her gratitude for the "kind government" who helped them come to a country where they didn't fear for their lives and where they had religious freedom. As a young woman she needed to help support her parents and so worked as a domestic and lived at the Maedchenheim - a hostel for Mennonite young women on Bannatyne Avenue. At a friend's wedding she met Abram Martens whom she married in 1939. They lived an interesting life together until his death in 1977. They shared a love of God, family, story telling, Christmas and West Hawk Lake. Her loving brother John Schroeder (Ruth) is the last of the 15 children born to Johann and Anna. She outlived most of her friends as well. Tiny in stature she remained, until the end, the epicentre of her family of 54. She was a powerhouse of energy and attracted children to her with her deep interest in them and their lives. Her unwavering faith, grateful heart and a lifetime of service are an inspiration to us. Children were the highlight of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her children Edward (Pat) Martens, Marlene (Henry) Neufeld, Catheryn Martens (Steve Ratzlaff), Carry (Will) Barnes of Winnipeg and Richard (Carole) Martens of Minneapolis, MN as well as by her special "adopted" daughter Mariko Matsumoto (Bruce) and her children Bill and Paul. Eleven of her 14 grandchildren live in Winnipeg - Leslie (Peter), Christine (Jason), Curtis (Tina), Beth, Cam (Shauna), Ben, Jacquie (Bob), Nicholas (Stephanie), Ally (Brian), Maxime, Dorian; Richelle (Matt) and Joel (Carrie) live in Minneapolis; Daniel (Jayanna) lives in Victoria. She was so happy to have 19 great-grandchildren. Her siblings brought her many nieces and nephews whose friendships she cherished. Agatha liked to be busy crocheting, cooking and baking and all the time singing songs, hymns and listening to the radio. She served on boards and belonged to the first women's group (Edelweiss Verein) at church. She was actively involved in Autumn House, enjoying her many roles such as being on the board, serving in the kitchen and leading festivities. She was a faithful member of her most beloved First Mennonite Church, where she worshiped and sang, and taught Sunday school. She felt that by serving others she could serve God. While unassuming, Agatha was a spiritual leader who influenced many lives, sometimes by words, but most often by example. Over the past eight years she was very well served by staff and volunteers at Arlington Haus and this past year by the amazing staff at Bethania Personal Care Home. Bless you all! A service commemorating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. (viewing at 10:30 a.m.) on Monday, July 8, 2013 at First Mennonite Church, Notre Dame and Alverstone, with Rev. Kathy Koop officiating. Following lunch, interment at Brookside Cemetery. Donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee. Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma - we love you to the moon and back. Friends Funeral Service, 204-339-5555
Publish Date: Jul 5, 2013

AGATHA MARTENS Agatha Martens, 96, peacefully passed away surrounded by love of family, friends and staff on Thursday, June 27,2013 at Bethania Personal Care Home. Funeral is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8 at First Mennonite Church. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jun 29, 2013
Publish Date: Jul 5, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2013