MARTIN:Marianne was born on February 13, 1939, on her father's farm between Fulda and Pilger. From 1939 to 1956, she grew up on the family farm and attended Canvassback School. Marianne moved away from home to Humboldt to work as a teller in the Bank of Nova Scotia. In 1957, she met the love of her life, Donald, through her friends at the bank. On July 25, 1959, Marianne married Donald Martin at St. Bernard's R.C. Church in the Pilger district. The couple built their first home on Raymond and Rose Martin's homestead. In 1966, Marianne and Donald built their second home on their current homestead, 1 miles south of Englefeld, on the old Striker farm. They were blessed with two sons and two daughters: Glen in 1961; Bruce in 1962; Donna in 1964; and Lori in 1971. Together Marianne and Donald raised their children while farming and living off the land, reaping the fruits and vegetables of their garden and berry patches. Every summer they would take the kids on many camping and fishing trips with family and friends. Over the course of the years, Marianne and Don enjoyed family dinners at her parents' home with John, Wilfred and Betty's families. In 1983, Marianne and Donald went on a trip of a lifetime touring the U.S.A with Ruth and Eddie Ewen. She also enjoyed singing, playing electric and acoustic guitars, crocheting, quilting, sewing, gardening, cooking, baking, shopping, candle making, listening to music and spending time with her grandchildren. Fishing with Donald was also a favourite pastime and in winter, he even managed to convince Marianne to go along hunting. In 1991, Marianne was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which began a long journey of understanding, love, compassion and support within her family. Over the years, many grandchildren brought rays of joy into Marianne and Donald's life in which she tried to share the blessings of living on a farm. In 2005, Marianne's condition worsened to the point of moving to St. Mary's Villa in Humboldt. There she and Donald acquired a beautiful, loving and supportive family who would care for her in order to help her live as independently as possible. In 2009, Marianne and Donald celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with their family and friends at the Long Hall in St. Mary's Villa. After numerous complications, on August 12, 2011, at 12:40 p.m., Marianne lost her courageous battle against her disease. We celebrate the life of Marianne, an amazing, beautiful woman who tried her hardest to hang on to everyone and everything she loved and to fight until her very last breath to be with those she loved. Marianne will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 52 years, DONALD Martin of Englefeld; two sons, two daughters, and their families: GLEN (Lanna) Martin of Watson and their children Mark, Kelsey, Hunter, Blake and Sydney; BRUCE (Shari) Martin of Davidson and their daughters Victoria and Sarah; DONNA (Harvey) Knafelc of Ponoka, AB, and their sons Brandon and Devin; and LORI (Antonio) Santoro of Saskatoon; one sister, Betty (Otto) Witte of Englefeld; two sisters-in-law: Gladys Freriks of Humboldt and Joyce Freriks of Pilger; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Margaret (nee Brunen) Freriks; and two brothers, John and Wilfred Freriks. The Prayer Service for Marianne was held at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church, Englefeld, on Monday, August 15, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., led by Marie ven der Buhs and Patsy Knafelc. Scripture readers were Lynnette Farris and Sarah Martin, and the eulogy was delivered by Trevor Witte. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Church on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette. Others taking part were: Antonio Santoro, cross bearer; Marla Ewen and Victoria Martin, scripture readers; Kelsey Martin, intentions; and Otto and Betty Witte, gift bearers. An honor guard was formed by members of the C.W.L. Urns bearers were Brandon Knafelc and Lori Santoro. Interment followed at the Holy Guardian Angels R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either St. Mary's Villa Foundation or the Holy Guardian Angels Parish. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE Humboldt, SK.
