Hilda Helena (Martens) Martens

Hilda Helena Martens, aged 94 years, passed away peacefully on November 6th, 2025 at the Portage District General Hospital.

Hilda was born at her home on the farm at Smith Hill, near Killarney, MB on February 24, 1931, the second child of Abram and Aganetha Martens. Hilda lived on three different farms in the Killarney area during her childhood years. After completing her high school education, Hilda did a year of permit teaching at Hazeldell School near Holmfield and then took a year of bible college in between some years of spending time at home and helping her family on the farm.

In 1953 she moved to Winnipeg to work for MTS. After doing this for some time, she was looking for a change and in 1958 she enrolled in Teacher’s College. She taught her first school at Baldur, MB and then went on to teach at Meadows, MB and John Pritchard School in North Kildonan. She also spent two years volunteering with MCC in Germany and Austria where she was also able to visit many European countries. She had many fond memories of her years working in Winnipeg and living at the house on Trent Avenue in Winnipeg with her siblings.

While attending Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg, she met the love of her life, Peter Martens. In 1971, they married and in 1973, they built a new house on Peter’s farm at Fannystelle and they moved to the farm permanently and welcomed their only child, Angela, in 1976. After the move to the farm, Hilda decided to end her career as a teacher and become a full time farm wife, supporting Peter in every way that was needed and always having delicious meals ready and being able to host company at a moment’s notice. She had a very large garden on the farm which was a full time job in itself, during the summer and she continued to love gardening and have a garden at her home right into her 90’s.

Hilda was always very active in their church in Elm Creek, as Statistician and Sunday School teacher for many years. She also volunteered at the MCC thrift stores for many years in both Carman and Portage la Prairie. Her faith was central to her life and she took great comfort in her daily devotions and Bible reading, living secure in the knowledge that God would always meet her needs.

In 2002, Hilda and Peter relocated to Portage la Prairie to be able to help care for their two grandchildren, Alex and Alaina. Spending time with her grandchildren brought her great joy and she was the most wonderful, loving Grandma. They spent many hours baking together, playing and going for walks and picnics. She also loved reading to them and helping with their homework. She was instrumental in building in to their lives on a daily basis.

In January of 2025, Hilda made her last move into the Lions Prairie Manor.

Hilda was always a hard worker and had a servant’s heart, always willing to lend a hand or bring a meal to family and friends in need. She had a wonderful way of bringing joy and purpose into even the smallest of everyday tasks. She will be remembered for her sweet, gentle nature and her loving kindness throughout her life.

Hilda was predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Martens, her parents Abram and Aganetha Martens, siblings Mary Sawatzky, Kae Eiland, and Ed Martens. Hilda is survived by siblings Harry Martens, Eleanor Brouwer, Adina Stewart, brother-in-law, Cal Eiland and sister-in-law Dorothy Martens. Also, by her daughter Angela (Patrick) Perron, grandchildren Alex Perron (Alice Britton), Alaina (Cole) Johnston and great granddaughter Rory, along with many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the staff at Lions Prairie Manor and Portage District General Hospital for their excellent care and kindness.

The Funeral Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Portage Evangelical Church, 72 3rd St. N.E. Portage la Prairie, MB, with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. Following the reception, the interment will take place at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Portage la Prairie, MB.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 3619 STN Main, Guelph, ON, N1H 9Z9.

Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB in care of arrangements.

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