Gladys Martens

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys Martens (Ens), on September 6, 2024, at the age of 100 years. She was born December 19, 1923, to Frank and Mary Ens in Waldheim, SK. She was the third born of ten children.

“To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8. Gladys now joins her husband, Cornelius Martens, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage; her parents, sisters Elsie, Laura, Gloria, brothers Arthur, Edwin, Menno, Frank, Clifford, and Lawrence.

Remaining here for now are sisters-in-law Isabel Enns, Mildred Ens, Ethel Ens, Ramona Pocha; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gladys left home in Garthland at an early age to work in Saskatoon. For years she returned home every summer to help out there. It was a busy time for the whole family, with her dad and brothers operating a sawmill, and her mom being kept busy cooking for the men and usually some hired help. Her time at home was always welcomed by her brothers, as they excitedly anticipated some of the favorite food she would cook for them.

Gladys was baptized upon confession of faith, at the age of 18, in the First Mennonite Church.

During the War, she moved to Toronto to work in a factory on an assembly line. After the war, Gladys returned to Saskatoon to work at the Bay, in alterations, for 35 years.

She loved to travel, and in 1950, via Ocean Liner, she visited Scotland. In 1993 she enjoyed a trip to Mexico, and in 1997 to South Africa. Her greatest joy was in being able to visit the Holy Land, where Jesus had walked. She did this four times, the last being in 2008. 

Gladys retired from the Bay in 1985, but her hands were never idle. The sewing room in her home was usually inundated with a mountain of work brought by friends and family.

Gladys loved her Lord and Savior first and foremost and was a dedicated member of her church, which she supported generously in whatever way she could.

The Bible tells us, in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

Whenever she wasn’t working in her sewing room or outside in her yard during the summer, she would be spending her time in God’s Word, praying or listening to uplifting programs offered by the Miracle Channel or Grace TV.

Gladys’s brothers never lost their taste for her cooking. As family we loved when the invitations came to attend a dinner at her house. We always knew it would be the wonderful flavors we had come to expect and enjoy; usually chicken, as only she could prepare it, and all the salads, trimmings and dessert she could put with it. She was also very organized. She could cook up an entire meal and make it look easy, never a dirty dish to be seen, and everything hot from the stove. What wonderful memories she leaves us.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Bridge Ministries 2410 Haultain Avenue, Saskatoon, SK. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care and arrangements for Gladys Martens.