MARTHA THIESSEN

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MARTHA THIESSEN March 19, 1945 - February 24, 2009 Martha passed away on Tuesday, February 24, surrounded by her loving family. An extraordinarily thoughtful, loving, and multi-faceted woman, she will be deeply missed by her husband Jake, her son Aaron, his son Austin, her daughter Corrie (Jonathan), her daughter Amie (Andrew) and their daughters Hannah and Olivia, and many other close relatives and friends. Martha was predeceased by her father, Frank Brandt. Born in Winkler in 1945, Martha grew up in southern Manitoba, one of two daughters. She pursued a career in education, and after gaining a teaching certificate from the Manitoba Teacher's College, taught elementary school in Chortitz, Manitoba. She went on to further education at Winnipeg Bible College. In June 1969, Jake and Martha were married. After marrying they lived in Gretna and Altona, then settled in Kleinstadt. A lifelong learner and teacher, Martha regularly enrolled in higher education classes. In the 1970s and on she initiated children's ministry at the Altona EMMC Church and was involved in women's groups, Pioneer Girls, and most recently co-ordinated Little Blessings , a ministry to children. Additionally, she served on the Steinbach Bible College board as well as the Serena Manitoba board. Her true passions were Jesus Christ, her husband and her family. During her brief illness, she shared that her memories of playing with her children in the snow and meandering along the backyard pond with her grandchildren, lying in the grass, brought rest and comfort. Martha will be missed, as she was loved. All who would like to participate in the celebration of Martha's life are invited to the Altona EMMC Church (158 2nd St.) at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28. Viewing is on Friday, February 27 from noon - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - noon. Donations can be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Arrangements made by Wiebe's Funeral Home of Altona.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2009