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HELEN PENNER (NEE TOEWS)
Helen Penner (nee Toews) of Steinbach, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the age of 90.
She was born, the ninth of 12 children, to Heinrich and Maria Toews, on January 26, 1924, in Morris, MB. The family moved to Paraguay when Helen was three. She was baptized in 1945 and later that year, on August 30, she married Jacob Penner. Together they shared the blessings and burdens of life in close companionship for 54 years.
After giving birth to five children, and 18 years of farming together in the Chaco, the family immigrated to Canada in April 1964. Here they started a new life and made a home in Steinbach. Helen contributed to the family finances by working at Friendly Family Farms for 20 years.
Our mom enjoyed 10 happy years in retirement before Dad passed away in 1999. During those years Mom and Dad kept a groomed yard and a garden that was the envy of many. Nothing pleased Mom more than preparing a delicious dinner and sharing it with her children, extended family and friends around her large dining room table. When Dad died, Mom moved into a condo at Stone Creek where she lived for 13 years. With declining health and after several bouts in the hospital, she moved to Bethesda Place for her last year, where she ultimately passed away with her family at her bedside.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Jacob, five brothers and four sisters.
She leaves to mourn her five children: Mary (Boston) Lee Wing and their children Naomi, Joshua (Amanda), and Abraham; Albert (Shirley) Penner and their children Carissa, Lara, and Scott (Kayla); Mart (Virlon) Unruh and their sons Thaddaeus and Tobias (Christa); Sue (Rudy) Nikkel and their daughter Alexandra (Tim); and Dave (Lois) Penner and their sons Matthew and Timothy (Shana); as well as seven great-grandchildren.
The family will miss Mom’s determined spirit, her work ethic, and her sense of humour.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with burial to follow at Heritage Cemetery on Loewen Boulevard. Viewing will be held at the chapel prior to the service.
Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030
As published in The Carillon on Apr 15, 2014