Maria Derksen passed away on October 2, 2007 at Chilliwack, BC at age 90 years. Maria was born June 15, 1917 in Blumenort, Zagradovka Colony, Ukraine.
Maria is survived by her daughters, Mary Wiebe (Marv) and Lydia Engel, seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Helmut, her son, Henry, sons-in-law, Ron Hiebert and Ed Engel, three brothers and two sisters and parents Johann and Katherina (nee Koehn) Goerzen.
Maria is remembered as a talented and gracious lady who loved beauty and knew compassion in the midst of pain. She modeled contentment and gratefulness and she had a deep trust in God. In 1958, she became a member of the Greendale M.B. Church. She belonged to the Ladies Aide Group which made many blankets for the M.C.C. She also did much baking for the group. Maria was a prayer warrior for her church and family. She loved her garden and flowers.
She spent her last few years at the Menno Pavilion in Clearbrook.
Her apartment was on the ground floor so she could feel the earth when she went out on to her patio. She loved the Chapel, sometimes attending twice on Sundays. She will be deeply missed by all.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 5th, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at Greendale Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Brad Engel, Greg Stork, Grant Hiebert, Ken Massie, Lee Derksen and Doug Horrey.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6th, 2007 at 10:00 am from Greendale M. B. Church; Pastor Reg Toews officiating.
If family and friends so desire, memorial donations to the Gideon’s Bible Society would be appreciated.
Condolences may be posted on www.mem.com