Martha passed away in Durand Manor on January 18th. 2015 at the age of 85 years.
Martha was born in Korastyschew, Ukraine March 19th. 1929 Martha immigrated to the U.S in 1952 from Germany, Martha came to visit her sister Alice in Field B.C. and there met her first husband to be Sam Derr who she had two children with Marlene and Alfred. Martha’s jobs in Golden consisted of 16 years of cleaning the Bank of Commerce, the Clinic, and the R.C.M.P station, and went on to chambermaid at numerous Motels and Hotels until many back surgeries forced her to retire, but she never stopped keeping busy with her family, gardens, flowers and volunteer work.
Upon the passing of Sam in 1982 she kept busy, mostly being proud of and adoring her grandchildren. After 12 years as a widow a new suitor came a knockin’, Dick Paauw who after a short time asked me for my Moms hand in marriage another chapter in Martha’s life, and was blessed with 10 more years of love with a special man. Upon Dick’s passing in 2007, 2008 brought another change in Martha’s life, she moved into Durand Manor where she resided until her passing.
Martha was predeceased by her Mother Olga Pelzer; her Husband Sam Derr; her Granddaughter Crystal Joy Cain; her Sister Alice Hemmerling; and her second Husband Dick Paauw .
Martha is survived by her Daughter Marlene (Teeder) Coupland, her Son Alfred (Vera) Derr, her Grandchildren Tina Spehar, Tim, Samantha (Matt), and Wade Coupland, and five Great Grandchildren. Also her loving Sisters Toni Beurig in Germany and Ida Mohr in Bridgeton New Jersey.
A funeral service was held at the Golden Lutheran church on Monday Jan 26, 2015.
If so desired a donations may be made to Durand Manor Golden B.C. or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Email condolences may be sent through Martha’s obituary at www.hindmanbowersfuneralhome.com.