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LEONA MYRTLE PENNER (SCHELLENBERG)
Born: Jun 03, 1932
Date of Passing: Jul 25, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLEONA MYRTLE PENNER (nee SCHELLENBERG) On July 25, 2014, we lost Leona Myrtle Penner (nee Schellenberg), our loving mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her children Jonathan (Blane Morgan), Christine (Mark Polle), Rick (Jen Peters), and Tom (Sharon Muldrew) as well as grandchildren Kate Polle, Emma Polle, George Penner, Van Penner, and Bridget Penner. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry Schellenberg and Gertrude Schellenberg (nee Braun), as well as her sisters Joyce Stout and Esther Kissick. Leona was born on June 3, 1932 in Carmen, Manitoba; she moved from Lowe Farm to the Indian Springs Reserve (where her Dad was a missionary) when she was eight, and then to Winkler at age 14, after her father died. She trained as a registered nurse at the Grace Hospital, and worked at the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg and in Norway House. Leona gave up nursing for several years while her children were young and the family was living abroad. Our mother had many fond memories of our family's two year stint in Zimbabwe (then called Rhodesia) and Ghana. When the children were older she went back to nursing at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach and then as a home care nurse in rural St. Anne. After she moved to Winnipeg, Leona spent many enjoyable years as a home care nurse at Klinic Health Centre, enjoying her patients and her co-workers. As well, she became a registered massage therapist, which she continued for many years after her retirement from Klinic. Her family was always very important to her, along with Joyce's children, but Leona also attracted a large number of faithful friends, many of whom were a part of her life for many decades. In recent years our mother particularly enjoyed the friendships and community she found at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church as well as the Oak Table Community Ministry at Augustine United Church. She loved to laugh, and loved to share that laughter with those around her. Leona will be missed very much. Epitaph When I die Give what's left of me away To children And old men that wait to die. And if you need to cry, Cry for your brother Walking the street beside you. And when you need me, Put your arms Around anyone And give them What you need to give to me. I want to leave you something, Something better Than words Or sounds. Look for me In the people I've known Or loved, And if you cannot give me away, At least let me live on your eyes And not on your mind. You can love me most By letting Hands touch hands, By letting Bodies touch bodies, And by letting go Of children That need to be free. Love doesn't die, People do. So, when all that's left of me Is love, Give me away. - Merritt Malloy A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8, at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Grands'n'More Winnipeg, c/o 66 Crestwood Cres., Winnipeg, MB, R2J 1H6. Receipts will be issued from the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2014
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Back in 1985 I used to rent a room at Leona's house living together with Tom Rick and other students. Although a foreign student at Uo f M Leona has treated me as a real mother having lots of long discussions about everything and lots of laughing. She was an amazing person with enormous energy and kindness that I have never forgotten in my life. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends for her loss. - Posted by: Babis Georgiou () on: May 02, 2015
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I always treasured Leona's humour, her zest for life and her ability to make everyone feel loved. She had a joy in her that transcended any hardship and she shared that with everyone she knew. I will miss our visits - they were filled with laughter and friendship. Sleep well, Leona. - Posted by: Shelley Kowalchuk (Friend) on: Aug 08, 2014
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I met Leona at The Arms of the Cross. She had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. We served together on the executive of the Friendship Committee. She was an excellent person to work with -- hard working, caring, generous with her time and had words of wisdom that came from experience in the world. I missed Leona terribly when she moved to The Grace. I didn't have the opportunity to visit her while she was in palliative care, so was thankful for Tom's updates and his willingness to share my emails with her. Although I hadn't spoken with Leona after her move from The Arms, I think of her often and miss her sparkling, mischeivous eyes and laugh. She will remain in my heart as a person who lived a full life and had a positive, loving impact on my life. My condolences to the whole family, especially Tom who was so willing to keep us updated. Your loss is great. You have a lot of memories to hold on to that will sustain you in the years ahead. And, if my experience is a guide, she will crop up in your messages and expressions to others. I often hear my mother's expressions coming out of my mouth and know this to be a common experience! May God Bless You All at this difficult time. Karen - Posted by: Karen Little (Friend) on: Aug 08, 2014
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Leona was my friend Chris' mother and my surrogate mother over many years. I have fond memories and spend many happy times with her during the time I lived in Landmark and Winnipeg. During one of my years at University I lived with Leona, Chris and several other students as my family was living in Landmark. Leona was the mother hen and made sure we all had lots to eat but also that we were all happy and content. She was a loving, warm and vibrant person who was happiest when she was helping others. I appreciate all that she gave to me and will keep her memory close to my heart. My deepest sympathies to Chris, Rick, Tom and the rest of the family for your recent loss. She was a special lady and dearly loved by many. - Posted by: Chris Greenaway (Friend) on: Aug 05, 2014
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My sincere condolence Tom. - Posted by: Eduardo Rendis (friend) on: Jul 31, 2014
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Leona changed our lives with her generosity of spirit and willingness to accept people as they are. We are forever grateful for her kindness. Kate and Alex - Posted by: Kate and Alex DC (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2014
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Leona epitomized all that Klinic was about: generosity of spirit and commitment to community. Her heart was evident in all she did and I was fortunate to have her as a colleague and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. - Posted by: Judy Hill (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2014
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Leona was a wonderful friend. We will miss her dearly. - Posted by: Pat Russell (friend) on: Jul 29, 2014
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Leona & I have been friends for many years, most were spent in telephone conversations because of the distance we drifted apart during the years. During her last months we would talk on the phone. those were conversations I will never forget. She was never complaining about anything. She Loved her children so much. Yes I'm really going to miss her. - Posted by: Marianne (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2014
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I worked with Leona at Oak Table and Grands'n'More. She was an amazing woman! You could listen to her stories for hours, it was her gift. Always positive with a big beautiful smile. She will be sadly missed. My sympathies to the family in their time of loss. - Posted by: Karen Burridge (Grands'n'More and Oak Table) on: Jul 29, 2014
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leona was my friend. in the broadest & deepest sense. i was one who enjoyed the especial bond that mothers extend to the loved friends of favored sons. it's a unique affection. & only ever highly given. god bless lioness leona. xxx - Posted by: Christopher Rafuse (Friend) on: Jul 28, 2014
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Leona was our Mom's friend, when Jack and Dora's four off spring were young. Leona and I got to know each other more as friends, rather than cousins, after a trip we took to the Atlantic provinces. It was two weeks of sight seeing (laughter), Tim Horton's coffee (giggles) and many U-turns (with side splitting laughter). We were always going in the wrong direction. But this trip sent us in the right direction as friends Even though we were separated by many miles, we always kept in touch, and will continue to do so! I love you, my dear. To Leona's family, I am very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Laura Penner (Cousin) on: Jul 28, 2014
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We are sad for the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. May God's promise sustain you. - Posted by: Hans and Dorothy Pnner () on: Jul 28, 2014
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I remember Leona as a kind, fun loving, independent woman. As a kid she was the older cousin I aspired to be like - I hope I've done that! - Posted by: Linda Penner (cousin) on: Jul 28, 2014