Mary Bertha Derksen

Mary Derksen (Wiebe) was born on Sept 12, 1940, in Winkler, Manitoba. She was the fourth child of David and Justina (Konrad) Wiebe. In January 1946 the family moved to Matsqui, BC. After the flood of 1948, they moved to Sumas Prairie, where they attended Arnold MB Church.

A skit at church on New Years Eve in 1951, about the parable of the ten virgins, was used by God to convict Mary that she needed a Saviour and she chose to respond and accept the invitation. Her Dad helped her find Salvation with John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Baptism in Yarrow followed a few years later.

In 1960, Mary married Peter Derksen, a family friend and neighbor. They soon moved to the dairy farm on Bowman Road where Peter worked on the family farm with his dad. Here John, Ivy, and Barbara were born. In 1964, Peter and Mary decided to start farming on their own and made the BIG move to 7028 Lickman Road. She was only 23 and had three children under the age of four! Steven was born to complete the family in 1971.

They found a friendly church home at Greendale MB Church. The teaching was good, there were lots of other young families and many opportunities to serve. Mary enjoyed serving in VBS, Sunday school, midweek clubs, the church choir, and later, the hosting committee. After retirement, when Peter’s health was failing, they found a friendly, supportive community with their neighbors at Evergreens at Ensley.

She is lovingly remembered by her son John (Cheryl), and their children Ashley, Jordan, and Zackary. Daughter Ivy (Dave) Riediger, their children Matt (Nicole), Jon (Stephanie), Jelisa (Erick) Penner, Derek (Brooklyn). Daughter Barb (Brian) Thiessen and their children Rob (Caitlin), Dan (Katie), Amanda, and Josiah. Son Steve (Gail), their children Logan (Grace), and Rhys. As well as 12 great-grandchildren, Chloe, Alyssa, Emery, Ethan, Owen, Eli, James, Ezra, Myla, Wyatt, Levi and Carly. Also surviving her are sisters, Agnes (Merv) Dyck, Susan (Dennis) Foyle, and sisters-in-law Ilene Wiebe and Susanne Wiebe.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Peter in 2021, her older brothers, Abe & Walter, and her stillborn granddaughters, Erin Derksen and Chantel Derksen.

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.”

- Psalm 16:8