Tribute

Martha was born in Mullingar, Sask at home on April 13, 1934. Her parents were
Jacob and Katharina (Dyck) Bergen. She was the second youngest of 10 children. The
family emigrated from the Ukraine in 1926. Martha’s father, Jacob, farmed but was soon
drawn into the preaching ministry and gave leadership to the local church.
Martha grew up on a grain farm in Redfield, north of Battleford, Sk. She began
attending school in Redfield in September, 1940. In 1944 the family moved to a farm in
Chilliwack, B.C. and Martha entered grade 5 in the public school. She attended Sharon
Collegiate Institute, Yarrow BC for grades 8 & 9. She graduated from Chilliwack Sr High
School in 1952.
Martha accepted Christ at the age of 11. She asked her dad to pray with her. Her
father, who was the pastor of the Broadway MB Church, baptized her. After completing
her secondary education, she attended a year at East Chilliwack Bible School in 1952-53.
She moved to Vancouver, where she stayed with her sister Margaret, who was
attending Normal School. Here Martha did housework and took a Night School course at
Prince Edward High. In September, 1954, Martha began her nurse’s training at Royal
Columbia Hospital, New Westminster. After graduation she worked at the Burnaby
Hospital for 2 years.
Wanting more education, she enrolled at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College
(Winnipeg) from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Religious Education. Following this
time, she worked in the Chilliwack Hospital in the post-operative surgery department.
In September 1966 she enrolled at U.B.C. and in May 1967 she graduated with a
diploma in Public Health Nursing. That same year she took a position as Public Health
Nurse (P.H.N.) in Kelowna, B.C. Martha enjoyed the work very much and found much
satisfaction in her professional life.
In 1973, shortly after her father died, she bought a cottage on the shores of
Okanagan Lake in Kelowna. Over the years the visits of family members and many friends
filled the summer months with joy. Many lasting friendships were established in those
years. She attended the Mennonite Brethren Church (Willow Park) in Kelowna where she
sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Martha enjoyed skiing, boating and sailing. A
schnauzer by the name of “Kinder” found a loving home with her.
Meeting a total stranger and being willing to marry him can only be understood as
divine guidance. Such was the case in the summer of 1978 when Victor proposed to her and
upon checking him out, she made the decision to marry him.
After her marriage to Victor Thiessen on a bitterly cold December day in 1978, she
moved to Abbotsford. She became wife, mother and grandmother overnight. After a 6
month period getting adjusted to married life, she accepted a position as P.H.N. in the
Abbotsford District, where she worked for the next 10 years.

She resigned from her position as P.H.N, to be free to spend more time with Victor
and to travel. Martha has been a faithful prayer warrior, interceding much for the family
members.
Martha and Victor spent the last 6 years at Hallmark on the Park, an Assisted
Living Facility in Abbotsford. Martha was a gracious hostess who enjoyed having people at
her table. In the latter part of her life, she wished she could have hosted again. In spite
of her Parkinson’s Disease, she managed to continue to entertain for as long as she could.
The last week of her life was spent at Christine Morrison Hospice care in Mission.
She declined each day. Even on the day before her death, she responded to people
reaching out to her. She died peacefully and we are grateful that she is in the presence of
Jesus.
Martha is survived by her husband, Victor and 4 children and spouses, 8
grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by son, John and
granddaughter, Rachel.
She is survived by 3 sisters: Tena, Margaret and Elsie and 1 brother: Jake. 34
nieces and nephews (plus spouses) remember her as an aunt who created opportunity for
great times together.
A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, June 12 at 11 am at Clearbrook
MB Church, 2719 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford, BC.