LYDIA MARTENS

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LYDIA MARTENS Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are mine! Isaiah 43:1b Mid morning of September 11, 2000, Lydia Martens quietly passed away at the age of 86 years, 10 months and six days. Lydia was born in the village of Andreasfeld, Ukraine, on November 5, 1913, the eldest daughter of Cornelius and Maria (Peters) Martens. In 1923, along with her parents, she immigrated to Canada. Two years later the family settled on a farm in the Fannystelle area where Lydia remained until 1960. She relocated to Winnipeg to take up residence with her parents who had moved two years previous. She assumed responsibility of day-to-day chores of the home and the welfare of her aging parents. In 1980, when her mother suffered a stroke resulting in partial paralysis, Lydias true servant heart defined her legacy of compassion and devotion. She kept vigil by her Moms side for four and one half years, occasionally arriving at Concordia Hospital, and later Donwood Manor, to feed her breakfast and get her dressed for the day. She would leave only after she had tucked her into bed for the night. Almost a year ago, Lydia experienced a fall, breaking a hip in the process. Upon release from the hospital in January of this year, she moved into a small apartment at Donwood Highrise. On August 31, she was to enter Concordia Hospital a final time to receive medical attention for a brain hemorrhage but where she would mercifully be relived of pain with cardiac arrest on September 11, 2000. She leaves to grieve her passing sisters, Mary Bergen of Starbuck, Ann (Wilbert) Chapman of Brandon; brother Peter (Hilda) Martens of Fannystelle and nine nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by father Cornelius in 1968; her mother Maria in 1985; brother-in-law Abe Bergen in 1994 and an infant niece Doreen in 1963. The family is deeply appreciative of care given and concern expressed by Lydia by health care professionals, neighbours, friends and relatives. You know who you are - God bless you all! A memorial service will be held for Lydia Martens at 10:30 a.m. on October 2 at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to MCC, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, R3T 5K9. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2000