Betty Penner

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ELSBETH “BETTY” PENNER (NEE DUECK)
December 19, 1934 – March 9, 2014

Peacefully with her family at her side, Betty Penner passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, at the age of 79.

She is survived by Dave, her husband of 56 years; children: Ryan (Erma), Bev Friesen (Duayne), and Murray (Ellen); grandchildren: Thomas (fiancé Lana Nesby), Adam (Megan), Lauren Friesen, Eric Friesen, and Daegan; siblings: Mary, Frank (Sara), Walter (Nettie), Ernest (Lorraine), Arnold (Vera) and Del (Eileen); six brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings: Ben, Peter, Henry, Anne Bartel, Martin, Sara Friesen, and John.

Betty was born to Peter K. and Justina Dueck on December 19, 1934 in the R.M. of Hanover. She attended the Moray District School and later in her teens moved to Steinbach with her family. Betty worked at the Municipal Hospitals in Winnipeg, in the laundry at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, and at Robinson’s Department Store where she ran the lunch counter for several years. Later in life, Betty worked in the kitchen of the Steinbach Bible College and the restaurant at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum.

On July 12, 1957, Betty married Dad and they made their first home in Blumenort. They shortly moved to Steinbach where they made their permanent home. Betty truly enjoyed being a mother and homemaker. There were often freshly baked cookies when we came home from school and a chocolate cake for the weekend. She tended a large garden for many years and in summer our table was filled with fresh lettuce salad, peas, beans, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn on the cob and potatoes. Homemade canned and frozen vegetables, fruits and jams sustained us over the winter months. Mom always had time to play with her children, from hitting baseballs in the backyard to playing Parcheesi or ping pong for hours. She loved crossword puzzles and could often be found in the living room next to the encyclopedia set finding answers. Later on she enjoyed puzzles, especially those with Thomas Kinkade paintings, and was seldom separated from her electronic Yahtzee game.

Betty cherished her grandchildren and made sure they knew how much she loved them. She spent as much time as she could with them, always making sure she had their favourite treats on hand and ready to play any game or do any activity they wanted. She attended many of their recitals and band performances and kept in touch with her youngest grandson via Skype.

She and Dad enjoyed travelling and we took many family camping trips. To celebrate Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary the family spent a great week together in Mexico sightseeing, whale watching and lazing on the beach. We toured a coffee plantation in the mountains and even though her mobility was limited by then, Mom with her usual determination made the hike there and back.

Mom’s faith in Christ was an integral part of her life. She was baptized in her late teens and throughout her life demonstrated her faith by teaching Sunday school, supporting new moms through the Cradle Roll, and actively participating in the FRIENDS group at church. She had a deep concern for the spiritual wellbeing of her family and all those she knew. She prayed regularly and frequently for family and friends in all circumstances, good and bad. Mom continued to trust God even as her health began to deteriorate. She met every challenge that came her way with a quiet faith, determination and a sense of humour. During her last week we reminisced and laughed, even as we knew we were saying good bye.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Nicole Porath and the nurses and staff at Bethesda Hospital, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Health Sciences Centre.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.

The funeral service for Betty Penner will be held Thursday, March 13, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main Street, Steinbach with burial at Heritage Cemetery following the service.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the relief efforts of Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Mar 12, 2014