MELODY MAE PENNER (THIESSEN)

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MELODY MAE PENNER (nee THIESSEN) On January 6, 2000 in the arms of her mother, Melody went home to be with Jesus after a very long courageous battle with cancer and the side effects of the treatment. She is survived by her daughter Carly and son Austin; parents, Rudy and Susanne Thiessen; brother David Thiessen and his wife Brenda; brothers-in-law, Lorne Penner (Annie), Murray (Debbie) Penner; sisters-in-law, Katherine (Alvin) Plett, Janice (Milton) Reimer and Edna (Reuben) Plett. She was predeceased by her infant daughter Chelsea (January 6, 1995) husband Delbert (January 15, 1997) and parents-in-law, Frank in (99) and Elvina in (98) Penner and sister-in-law Marilyn Plett in (86). Melody was born in Winnipeg on August 10, 1961. She received her education in Winnipeg with the exception of five years when she lived in Germany with her parents. She spent a number of very enjoyable years working for the law firm of Taylor Brazzel and McCaffrey until after her marriage in 1986. She married Delbert Penner on November 29, 1986 and became a farmers wife heart and soul. Together with her husband they farmed with his brothers Lorne and Murray. They were some of the first to set up an ostrich growing operation in Manitoba. Melody loved music and was involved with festivals and choirs where ever possible. She received great joy in working with her Sunday school class and she loved sports. But her greatest pride and joy were her dear children Carly and Austin. In her almost three-year battle to regain her health she often repeated the phrase I have to beat this for the sake of my children. Our thanks are extended to the entire staff of D6 in the Health Sciences Centre. Their loving care of Melody over the past seven months has been incredible. Special thanks to the nurses who so gently and lovingly cared for her in her final weeks - Tracey, Ann-Marr, Margaret, Kim and June. A Celebration of Melodys life and her funeral will take place at the Ridgewood EMC Church, Hwy 311, Girioux, MB at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 10. Viewing and a brief time of celebration will take place at the Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach. (204) 326-1351.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2000