MARIA DERKSEN

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MARIA DERKSEN On October 19, 2000 at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, Maria Derksen of the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church died at the age of 100 years. She was born October 2, 1900 in Rosental, Ukraine. She married Peter Derksen in 1923 and God blessed them with six children. In 1937 her husband Peter was taken away from the family by the Soviet police, never to return home. Maria was left to bring up her children in dire circumstances. During the war in 1941 her oldest son Peter, age 16, was forcefully deported to the east of Russia and has remained missing. In 1948 the family came to Canada and her children married here. For many years Maria lived in her own home and hosted many relatives and friends. In 1982 she moved to Donwood South where she enjoyed the company of many friends. The last three years she was a resident of Donwood Manor and was very thankful for the loving care she received from the staff. She firmly believed in God and in Jesus Christ as her Saviour and she is experiencing now the fulfilment of the promise of eternal life. Maria was predeceased by her husband Peter; one child; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Kaethe (Frank) Sawatzky, John (Norma) Derksen, Victor (Elvira) Derksen and Mary (Erwin) Pries; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She loved her family deeply and she was loved by them all. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the McIvor Mennonite Brethren Church, 200 McIvor Ave., Winnipeg. Devotional and viewing will be at Klassen Funeral Chapel on Sunday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. Viewing also prior to the service. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2000