Martha Thiessen
September 2, 1920 - May 27, 2017
With gratitude for a long life well lived we announce the passing of Martha Thiessen of Abbotsford, BC. She is predeceased by her parents Frank C. and Margaretha Thiessen, sisters Kaethe Klassen, Lydia Koslowsky, Irene DeFehr and Ruth Klassen. She is survived by her only brother Victor Thiessen, many nieces and nephews, their families and friends. Martha was born in Russia and immigrated to Canada in 1925. She has been part of a faith community for all of her life and this has influenced all that has unfolded in her long life. Her first employment was centered on helping the family financially but in 1946 she followed her heart and entered Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing. Her career took her to Germany in 1949 on an MCC assignment, to Cambridge Bay in the far north, and numerous places throughout the province of BC. She retired in 1980. Her retirement years have been full; actively caring for family members, participating in choral music and attending concerts, traveling the world visiting nieces and nephews, as well as traveling with friends. She was active in the community volunteering as a driver for the BC Cancer Society, Community Services, visiting people in hospital and care homes. She writes "As I look back I marvel at God's grace and kindness in my life and in giving me a loving extended family and lasting friendships." A Celebration of Life will be held June 9, 2017 at 1:00 pm Valley CrossWay Church (Calvin Presbyterian Church sanctuary) 33911 Hazelwood Ave., Abbotsford.