Martha Elfriede Depner

Martha Elfriede Depner was the fifth child of six, born April 23, 1931, in Reindlitz, Sudetenland, now known as the Republic of Czechoslovakia, to Josef and Valerie Richter. The family was there since the 1500s. Due to hard times, Martha from age two spent a lot of time at her aunt’s farm and she loved it there. Martha survived the horrible Russian invasion in 1945. She was forced onto a train with her aunt and taken to a concentration camp in Straconitz CR. On her 14th birthday, the Tychi family took her in as a helper in their restaurant. Through the Red Cross, she found her family in Bavaria and on the way met her future husband, Oscar Depner. Oscar left for Canada and brought her over a year later. They married in Edmonton, May 20, 1950. Oscar took her to the Edmonton Pentecostal church where she started a personal relationship with the Lord. After designing and building their home and pioneer farming in Leduc, AB, for 12 years, they made their way to Chilliwack, where their home was the center of endless gatherings of both church friends and family from afar.

She was an amazing baker and cook and made it all look effortless. Her other hobby was gardening, and she transformed their property into a blooming paradise and harvested many seasons of walnuts and hazelnuts that showed up in Christmas baking.

Martha is predeceased by her husband Oscar, her parents, and all five siblings. She is dearly missed by her five children, Betty (Harvey) Bucholtz, Art (Aganita) Depner, Elsie (Ervin) Halvorson, Harry (Carol) Depner, and Sylvia (Rene) Pawlitzki. She delighted and prayed for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lived 12 glorious, blessed years in Summerland, BC, along the lake and her last few days were joy, faith, and family filled. Her smile and cheer will be deeply missed by all!

To view Martha's Funeral held by Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, please click here.

A Celebration for Martha "Oma of Joy", will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the Lobby in the Summerland Alliance Church, 14820 Victoria Road North, Summerland, BC, with tea and cake.