Mary Martens

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MARY MARTENS
(NEE FUNK)
Aug. 30, 1940-July 8, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother and grandmother, Mary Martens, age 75, of Kleefeld, Manitoba on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, MB. Mary passed away all too quickly after a brief struggle with acute leukemia.

Mary was born on Aug. 30, 1940 in Steinbach, MB, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Funk. She is survived by her husband Cornie Martens; four sons, Allen and Alvina, Dwayne and Carol, Patrick and Wendy, Wendell and Michelle, and their families. She is also survived by four sisters and three brothers. She was predeceased by her parents, one brother and his wife.

On July 30, 1961 Mom and Dad were married in the Grunthal CMC Church. From that point forward Mom and Dad continued to be very active in the church. Mom was involved in many activities such as teaching Sunday school, leading the Young People’s group, Bible studies, Ladies Aid, and as a pastor’s wife and partner she assisted Dad in ministerial duties. Mom also enjoyed cooking and gardening. She had many pursuits, and through all of them was a classic example of the Proverbs 31 wife and mother: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Mom’s generosity knew no bounds. Her generosity and compassion for others continued right up until the very end. She was always concerned for others during her illness, not wanting to put anyone out – including the nursing staff, seldom, if ever, buzzing them for medicine when she was in pain or needing something. From the first night’s stay in the hospital she impacted the hospital staff with her calm and peaceful demeanor. She knew that even in all of this, God is sovereign and in control. She was willing to fight if need be, but also willing to accept the will of God, no matter the outcome. Many a caregiver commented on her strength and the peace that enveloped the room. We fully acknowledge that this is a direct result of her trust in Jesus, the many, many prayers of friends and family, and the generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 1:21 says, “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” ‘To live is Christ’ means to imitate the example of Christ, and that accurately describes the character of our mother.

We would like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their compassion and care for our mother, and we would like to thank the many people who upheld our family in prayer.

The viewing for Mary Martens will be held on Tuesday, July 12 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W in Steinbach, at 7 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at the Steinbach CMC Church, 479 Hanover St in Steinbach, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.

As published in The Carillon on Jul 11, 2016