Aganetha Derksen Giesbrecht was born June 17, 1908 in Kamyshovoye, Orenburg, Russia to Peter J, & Katharina (Reimer) Duerksen.

She was baptized in 1924. Her father Peter immigrated with his children to Canada in 1924 after Katharina died and he married Anna Janzen.

In 1930, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. Aganetha married Peter P. Giesbrecht on June 18, 1933 in Yarrow. Nine children were born to them: 7 sons: David, Henry (Hank), Edward, George, Peter, Martin and Willie (Bill) and two daughters: Elizabeth (Betty) and Cathy.

Aganetha's greatest source of joy was her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her love for her family. She was a very thankful person and very seldom found the need to complain. Two of her favourite admonitions were "Love one another," and "Be thankful."

Aganetha (Nettie) moved to Richmond, BC after her husband Peter passed away. She passed away at the Richmond Hospital on May 8, 1998 at the age of 89 years. She was predeceased by her son Peter in September 1978 and her husband Peter in February 1981.

She is survived by six sons and two daughters: Dave (Anne); Hank (Ellen); Ed (Kay); George (Arlene); Elizabeth Hladun (Norman); Cathy Penner (Ben); Martin (Judy); and Willie (Marie) and daughter-in-law Gerlinde; 24 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held May 13, 1998 at the Yarrow MB Church followed by interment at the Yarrow Cemetery.