EILEEN MARY PENNER (ROBSON)

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EILEEN MARY PENNER
(nee ROBSON)
October 17, 1934 - January 23, 2022

In loving memory of Eileen, who died after a brief illness in Chapala, Mexico, where she had lived for 37 years.
Predeceased in 2004 by Nicholas, her husband of 50 years, she is survived by sons Kirk (Lori Nieman) of Winnipeg and Brent (Stephanie Thomas) of Edmonton, and daughter Wendy (Gabriel Magana Merlo) of Chapala, Mexico; by grandchildren, Justin (Nicole), Alexandra, David (Sara), Victoria (Riel) and Benedict; great-grandchildren, Leo and Rhys; sister Ruth Diamond (Sam, deceased) and brother George (Leona). Eileen was predeceased by her granddaughter Charlotte; and her brothers, Reginald (Eunice) and Walter (Doreen).
Eileen was the daughter of Frederick and Mary Robson of Dauphin, Manitoba, where she married Nick Penner in 1953. After Nick retired from a distinguished career with International Harvester Canada, during which they lived in various cities across Canada, they moved to Chapala, Mexico in 1985. Two years later, Eileen was one of four friends who created the now-iconic MAS to bring professional classical musicians to perform at Chapala lakeside. In Canada, Eileen was a competitive curler and coach; in Chapala she is remembered as a keen golfer and bridge player for many years, an engaging hostess, and for her creativity with fabrics; her quilted wall-hangings adorn several homes at lakeside. Eileen was an empathetic parent and friend whose irreverent wit and decisiveness continued to inspire, delight and comfort us in the final days of her long and interesting life.
Cremation has taken place. Eileen will be interred alongside her beloved husband Nicholas in Winnipeg.
Condolences may be sent to the family at wendyrp@icloud.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2022