My beloved companion, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great grandmother, Marie (Froese) Duerksen, was born to Henry B. and Aganetha (Enns) Froese on January 5, 1912 at Morris, Manitoba, She peacefully passed away on October 22, 2008, at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Manitoba, reaching the age of 96 years. Her death came after enduring only a brief Illness. Mother received her formal education at the Greenbank School, Rosenort, Manitoba. Upon true repentance and acceptance of the blood of Jesus as atonement for her sins, she was converted and baptized on March 8, 1927, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ (Mennonite) which faith she embraced unto the end. In later years she experienced a special touch from the Lord in a re-consecration experience, which she treasured in her heart. She was not without failings, but endeavoured to maintain her Christian walk of life. After the loss of her father in her teen years, she worked at various places in the community to support her mother and family, whereby she established relationships which remained throughout her life. Mother loved to sing and exercised her voice in song, as long as she was able. On January 12, 1941, she was joined in marriage to Jacob Duerksen, by Minister John D. Penner, at Rosenort, MB, sharing the joys and sorrows of life together for almost 68 years. To this union were born two sons and two daughters. In 1964 they moved to Linden, Alberta, where they resided for approximately 17 years. In 1960 the family again returned to Rosenort, MB, where they lived until the fall of 2005, when they took up residence at Maplewood Manor in Steinbach, Manitoba. Mother, as a young girl learned to sew and utilized this talent as long as she was able. Many a young bride would come to our door asking her to sew her wedding dress, which she enjoyed doing for them. We, as a family and also neighbours and friends in the community, benefited greatly from her ability to make old things into new. Her good memory was often a source of information to us as a family. This remained with her until shortly before her passing. We rest in the assurance that Mother is at rest, awaiting her eternal reward and we look forward to meeting her in Heaven. Left to cherish fond memories are: her husband Jacob, of Maplewood Manor; her children, Dennis and Adeline of Mitchell, MB, Marj of Steinbach, MB, Connie and Roy Penner of Kleefeld, MB and Dalton and Joyce of Rosenort, MB; 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Her family was very precious to her and she carried a deep concern in her heart for their salvation. She also leaves behind two brothers: Joe Froese, Alva and Susie Froese, and one sister; Frieda and Herman Isaac, as well as three sisters-in-law: Ruth Froese, Kay Froese and Adina Isaac, also the extended Klassen family. Preceding her in death are: her parents, 2 brothers, I sister, and 1 brother and 1 sister in infancy, 2 grandsons and 1 great-granddaughter. The Family We as a family wish to express our sincere thanks to the staff at Maplewood Manor, as well as the doctor and nurses at Bethesda Hospital for their kindness and love to mother. The funeral service for Marie Duerksen will be held Monday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Rosenort Church of God in Christ Mennonite with burial at the church cemetery. Viewing will be at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Sunday from 7-7:30 p.m. with devotional at 7:30 p.m. Viewing will also be at the church prior to the service.