BARBARA GAYLE PENNER (MARY MARGARET BOUCHIE)

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BARBARA GAYLE PENNER (nee MARY MARGARET BOUCHIE) Peacefully on Friday afternoon, October 1, 2010 at the St. Boniface Hospital with her daughter Lucy at her side, Barbara went to be with her Lord and Saviour. She is survived by her daughter Lucy Hildebrand (Steve) of Kane, MB, son Roger (Krista) of Winnipeg, son Chad of Winnipeg, as well as their father Harry Penner of Lowe Farm. She is also survived by grandchildren Kyle, Harlen, Nolan, Erika, Colton and Cody. Barb also had many friends and family members from both her birth family and her adoptive family. Barb was born in Little Grand Rapids, MB and spent her first nine years there. Her mother Eugenia, died during child birth and Barb was raised by her father, Samuel George Bouchie and extended family members. At nine years of age, Barb went to live with Bill and Helen Schellenberg of Steinbach and was immersed in Mennonite culture. Fluent in both high and low German, Barbara delighted in surprising people who were not expecting her to be able to understand inside conversations. Barbara loved to sing and specialized in opera, she performed at many weddings and functions. She also composed poetry, and this was one of her favorite creative outlets. After high school Barb attended Elim Bible School at Altona, where by all accounts, she had an absolute blast. It was during this time that she met her future husband Harry. They were married and settled down in Lowe Farm. Barb was a person of many talents, a keen intellect and a flair for the dramatic. We could honestly say that we knew of no one like her. But she was also a product of two vastly different cultures and struggled throughout life to reconcile these two sides. During her time living in Winnipeg, she loved to volunteer at Siloam Mission, and enjoyed serving in this way. Barbara never forgot a name and knew how everyone was related, in this way, she was a true Mennonite. Barb was also a great networker with many friends, she will be missed. A private service has been held at Lowe Farm, MB with interment at Lowe Farm Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the St. Boniface Pallative Care Unit for their extraordinary care of Barbara during these final, difficult months. We would also like to thank the many special friends that loved and supported Barbara. Donations may be made to Siloam Mission.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 09, 2010