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ERNA KATHRYN MARTENS
Born: Jun 13, 1924
Date of Passing: Aug 29, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryERNA KATHRYN MARTENS
We are grateful that Erna’s long journey ended peacefully at Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, at the age of 102. She was predeceased by her husband, Dave Martens (1913–1988), and all but one of her ten siblings.
Erna leaves to mourn her children, Kathleen Martens, David Martens (Clair Tregenza), and John Martens; grandchildren, Tatianna Martens (James Kluczkowski), Spencer Martens, Zane Sawatzky, Oliver Martens and Ebon Martens; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Kluczkowski and Jackson Kluczkowski.
Erna was born aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean as her parents and older brother, Rudolph, made their way to safety in Canada from Russia. Her family was resettled in the Pigeon Lake area of Manitoba, where they farmed on the eastern bank of the Assiniboine River.
Her love of children and school led Erna to become a teacher. She began in a one-room schoolhouse before working at an elementary school in Winnipeg. She later obtained certification to teach at the Manitoba School for the Deaf, where she became proficient in American Sign Language. After retiring, she volunteered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) for 30 years.
Erna had a quiet, kind presence that touched many people. She rarely complained, listened carefully, and had a genuine interest in others. She remained healthy and active throughout most of her long life. At 99, a fall put her in a wheelchair, but it did not diminish her interest in the world around her.
Erna believed in God and attended church faithfully. She loved her family, but also had a strong sense of independence and a love of adventure. She liked to drive and took her children all over Manitoba while Dave built his business. She especially enjoyed flying and cherished travelling.
Erna and Dave built a cottage in Whiteshell Provincial Park that became a summer haven for their children, relatives and friends. She loved the many people who gathered there. She was fond of animals, enjoyed taking long walks, and continued reading throughout her life - savouring books well into her 90s. One of her favourite places to visit was Assiniboine Park, particularly the English Garden.
Erna’s life was long and full. She was a teacher, a volunteer, a traveller, a reader, a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a faithful friend. Most of all, she will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and the way she made people feel heard.
Her children wish to thank the caring staff and volunteers at Pembina Place for making Erna feel so special.
A farewell service is planned for September 29 at 2 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, with a link available for a livestream. Donations may be made to the CNIB in Erna’s memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2026
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I had an excellent visit with Tante Erna and John in the hospital after her fall in '99. While I was not aware that this relegated her to a wheelchair, I am not surprised that she remained engaged in life to see 102 years! She was a positive force and always had a smile to share. - Posted by: Kevin Abrahams (nephew) on: Sep 11, 2026
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I remember Erna being excited about the Christmas lights and decorations in our courtyard at Bethel Place where we lived and we had many conversations. - Posted by: Erna Braun (Friend at Bethel Place) on: Sep 07, 2026
