Miriam Martens

Miriam Martens (Harz, nee Penner) of Abbotsford, British Columbia passed away peacefully into the presence of the Lord on March 19th, 2020. She was born to Peter and Frieda Penner, May 2, 1935 in Laird, Saskatchewan. In 1941 the family moved to Kitchener, Ontario and two years later to the Niagara Peninsula. There she completed her elementary and high school education. She also attended Briercrest Bible College for three years, one of these was a year in high school.

At age 11, Miriam accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour at Vacation Bible School. This was followed by baptism in 1951 and joining the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church. She enjoyed some 60 years of choir singing. During the summer she turned 17 she decided to teach Vacation Bible School in the Coldwater District for two weeks. It was a challenge. It was the Lord’s leading because it changed the course of her life. She realized teaching was not her life calling and found out how little she knew of the Bible. Miriam spent two wonderful years at Briercrest, a time that really helped establish her faith.

In 1955 she met Arthur Harz and they married. In 1958 a daughter, Arlene Ruth, was born into their home. She brought her parents much joy. However, this marriage came to an end after 4-1/2 years. It was during this time that the Lord gave Miriam the verses found in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” And the Lord did direct her paths.

Over the years, Miriam worked at various jobs. Eighteen of those years were spent working in the family business, Penner Lumber and Building Supplies in Virgil, Ontario as bookkeeper and office manager.

Then in 1983 a new chapter began in her life. A widower from the Virgil M.B. Church asked if Miriam would marry him. On Jun 25, 1983 Abe and Miriam were married at the Niagara Falls Christian Fellowship Chapel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In this marriage she gained two more daughters, Trudi and Hilda (with their husbands, Dan and Bill respectively) plus eight grandchildren and in time 14 great-grandchildren.

Over 34 years of marriage Abe and Miriam made numerous trips outside of Canada and for ten years enjoyed their winters in California, living in their mobile home. During these times, Miriam enjoyed activities like reading, photography, crewel embroidery, and being involved with singing groups at camp.

Miriam, was predeceased by her parents, first husband Arthur Harz, brother Elden Penner and husband Abram Martens. She is mourned by her daughter Arlene (Dennis) Martin, Trudi (Dan) Willms, Hilda (Bill) Berg, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her brother Harry (Marlene) Penner and many other friends and relatives.