Katherine Goossen Martens of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away May 8, 1993.

She was born Oct. 20, 1901 to Franz and Tina Goossen in Ufa, Russia. They were robbed of everything twice and returned to Friedensruh, Molotschna 6 months later. They travelled from place to place seeking work, settling in Polozhje. Her father was taken away in 1914, and her mother died in May, 1921.

Katherine made an experience with the Lord at 16, but her decision was not firm. She accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour in January, 1922, during evangelistic services led by Jacob Thiessen and Abram Nachtigal. She was baptized the following summer and joined the church in Lichtfelde.

In 1926 she immigrated to Dalmeny, Sask. with her relatives, the Aaron A. Toews family. She worked on a farm for a month, then in Saskatoon for 3 years. She moved to Namaka, Alta., to Calgary, in 1932 to Vancouver and in 1948 to Greendale, B.C. That year, her sister with 2 sons came to Canada.

In 1949 she married Petrus Martens. He died 20 years and 10 months later. In the early 1970s she moved from Yarrow, B.C. to Clearbrook, joining Clearbrook MB Church.

She is remembered as a keen, intelligent observer of world events who showed enduring strength and concern for her loved ones, praying much for her children. Predeceased by 3 stepchildren and 2 grandchildren, she is survived by 1 sister, 5 stepchildren, 24 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 12 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and John E. Klassen ministering.