EVELYN MARTENS

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EVELYN MARTENS Evelyn Martens (nee Dirks) passed away peacefully with her family by her side January 6, 2013. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Darryl of Manitou, Warren of Thompson, Glenda and her husband Doug Dyck; her grandchildren Kurtis and Shawn of Winnipeg; sisters, Miriam of Nipawin, SK, Frances (Syd) Bates of Penticton, BC; brother Howard (Lorna) of Vulcan, AB; sisters-in-law Doreen Dirks of Estevan, SK, Mary Banman of Winkler, Helen Martens of Manitou, Neta Martens of Abbotsford, BC, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John (1989); son Dwight (1996); daughter-in-law Bev (2004), and brother Ed (2005). She was born on September 29, 1933 in Waldheim, SK. Her family lived in several small towns in northern Saskatchewan until they settled in Nipawin in 1939. Her father taught school and was a preacher at the local Gospel Mission Church. Mom started working as a nurse's aide at the Nipawin Hospital when she was 17. Mom often shared stories of her time spent there and especially enjoyed working in the nursery. Mom met Dad through a family friend while she was visiting in Morden. Dad made several trips from Manitou to Nipawin and many letters were sent during their courtship. They were married on May 19, 1956. After their wedding, Mom moved to Manitou and they soon began their family. While raising the family, she assumed the task of bookkeeping for Martens' Electric. Mom and Dad were among the founding members of the Morden Alliance Church and subsequently in 1967 they started the Alliance Church in Manitou. The church was a big part of our family life. Mom served as secretary / treasurer of the Sunday School, soloist, choir member and pianist. As the family grew, Mom resumed her career as a nurse's aide at the Manitou Hospital and then continued at the Pembina Manitou Health Centre until her retirement in 1996. She enjoyed her work caring for others and especially the friendships she made with her co-workers. As a family, we made several camping trips west to visit Mom's family. We all have great memories of these trips and the opportunity to spend time with our aunts, uncles and cousins who we did not get to see often. Mom's love of travelling continued as she took several bus tours to the Maritimes and the eastern states. Mom loved to knit and crochet, making many baby outfits and blankets, afghans and sweaters for us and the grandkids. Mom spent most summers in the garden and then canning the produce as well as tending to her roses. Mom also enjoyed hosting family dinners and having all of us around the table. It wasn't complete until we were all home. Mom was thrilled when she finally became a grandmother. She of course loved the baby stage but also got great joy watching the boys play with the trucks in the lane and swim in the pool across from her house. Unfortunately, Mom began to suffer from Alzheimer's and was no longer able to stay in her home. She moved to the Pembina-Manitou Health Centre in 2003 and remained there until her passing. We want to express our sincere appreciation to the staff at the Health Centre for their outstanding care for our Mom over the years. Their devotion to her will never be forgotten. The funeral service was held on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Manitou Mennonite Church, 106 Voth Street. Interment followed at the Manitou Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pembina Manitou Health Centre or the Pembina Manitou Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2013