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DOROTHY PENNER  Obituary pic

DOROTHY PENNER

Born: Jan 24, 1933

Date of Passing: Jan 14, 2016

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DOROTHY PENNER January 24, 1933 - January 14, 2016 With sadness we announce the passing of Dorothy Penner (nee Dirks) at the Concordia Hospital on January 14, 2016. She departed peacefully to meet her Lord and Saviour. She leaves to mourn her husband George Penner; daughter Colleen (Gordon) Braun, and their daughters Andrea and Laura (Brad Boyd); son Geoffrey (Kathy) Penner and their sons Brayden and Bryce (Mary-Anne) and their daughter Rowan; daughter Aileen (Bernie) Wiebe and their sons Nathan (fiancé Katie), Jonathan, Christian and Stephen; also brother Walfried Dirk, and sisters Agnes Bernstein and Evelyn (Henry) Konrad. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Anastasia Dirks, her brother Hans (Muriel) Dirks, sister Esther (Alvin) Dick, and oldest granddaughter Cristin Braun. Dorothy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba January 24, 1933 and was baptized on September 7, 1947 where she became a member of the present Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church. On June 13, 1953, Dorothy and George were joined in marriage and were blessed with three lovely children. She remained an active member at Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church. Over the years she was involved in church programs including the Pioneer Girls program and Prison Ministries. Dorothy was a special wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was selfless in her devotion to her family. Dorothy loved to sew and in addition to selling Bernina sewing machines for many years, she also shared her talents of teaching many others the art of sewing. Although the family went through a stressful time in the 1980 recession, with God's help we were able to make the family venture, Silver Harbour, a success. Dorothy had a special gift of public relations, was a wonderful cook and baker, and always a gracious hostess. The door was always open and she will be fondly remembered by the very supportive Silver Harbour Sailing Club for her wonderful pans of warm cinnamon buns. In 2010 Dorothy was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and in 2011, had another serious setback. Her cardiologist told her that the condition of her heart seemed to indicate that a "higher authority" still had a job for her on earth. Dorothy was the eternal optimist and remained courageous and determined to live a purposeful life, believing that if she was still here, God had work for her to do. She was always thinking of what she could do for others and those who were hurting. After some discouraging tests results in January, she put a smile on her doctor's face when she graciously responded "and how are you doing". Underlined in Dorothy's Bible was Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in truth, and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope..." The family extends our sincere thanks to Dr. K. Olafson, Dr. R. Macek and the Concordia Hospital ICU staff for their superlative care they provided for Dorothy; also to Dr. M. Singer and her cardiologist Dr. R. L. Kroeker. Viewing will be held Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. Interment will be Friday, January 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Arnes Cemetery located on Silver Creek Road in Arnes, Manitoba. A Celebration of Dorothy's Life will be held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, if you desire, donations may be made to Camp Arnes.
Publish Date: Jan 20, 2016

DOROTHY PENNER Peacefully after a lengthy illness, Dorothy Penner, beloved wife of George, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Concordia Hospital at the age of 82 years. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service 2146 Main Street. Interment will take place on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Arnes Cemetery. Memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Highway. A longer obituary notice will follow in Wednesday's paper
Publish Date: Jan 16, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2016

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dorothy was such a wonderful lady. She always spoke fondly of all her family. I always looked forward to her visits, filled with stories of her family and cooking advice. May her memory be eternal. - Posted by: Demetra Verras (Hairstylist) on: Jan 25, 2016

  • George, Geof and Kathie. We have been out of town and heard about your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Jackie & Gord Greig (Silver Harbour patrons) on: Jan 23, 2016

  • When Carl and I sailed out of Silver Harbour many years ago we always enjoyed talking to Dorothy. Her warmth always made you feel welcome. And our daughter has a nice memory of a time when you had opened a little store and she wanted a big coffee crisp. We said no it was too big, but Dorothy insisted on giving it to her for free. All these years later, we still all remember that act of kindness. May you be comforted in your sadness. - Posted by: Sharon Epp () on: Jan 22, 2016

  • Our hearts are saddened at Dorothy's passing. Her kindness to us when we moved into the Silver Harbour community made us feel welcome. Her indomitable spirit in the face of failing health is an inspiration to us, as well as her abiding faith in God. She knew He would call her home when her work was finished on earth. We extend our sincere condolence to all the family members. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord" - Posted by: Nat & Dorothy Lowe (Silver Harbour neighbors/sailors) on: Jan 21, 2016

  • We were sorry to learn of Dorothy's passing. She was a wonderful Aunt and friend and we cherished spending time with her whenever our paths crossed. We are thinking of you all and praying for your comfort. With deepest sympathy - Cal & Katy - Posted by: Cal, Katy, Kelly and John Dirks (Nephew & Family) on: Jan 20, 2016

  • Dear George and Family : We are so sorry for your loss. We loved and appreciated Dorothy as a wonderful woman, friend and sister-in-law. We will weep and laugh with you on Friday as we remember Dorothy and a life well lived and loved. Love Art & Carelin Penner - Posted by: Art & Carelin Penner (brother-in-law and sister-in-law ) on: Jan 20, 2016

  • Dear George, Geoff, Kathy, Brayden and Bryce, We are so sorry for the loss of Dorothy. We feel very close to you all in this sad moment of your life. Our thoughts go to you,with sincere sympathy, Silvia and Italo - Posted by: Silvia and Italo Chiaramello Ferrarese (Silver Harbour Patrons and friends) on: Jan 19, 2016

  • I remember you welcoming me in when I would call on Aileen when we were kids. I had to wait for her to wake up (usually around 11:00) We would play together at the beach or go to the ride the horses at Judy and Stan's ranch. Your quick smile and laughing eyes are what I remember the most! When I saw you and your family at the Arnes Fall Supper, I mentioned I had purchased some property in Arnes and you asked me to pop by some time. My dad was ill and hospitalized, so the cabin was shut down soon after that. Next season, I will not see you when I pop by but I will one day! Our Lord and Saviour Jesus has you with him as well as your granddaughter! We will see each other in a world where sickness and death is no more! - Posted by: Pam Tait (Aileen's childhood friend) on: Jan 18, 2016

  • Dear George and family: We grieve with you in your loss. Although living some distance from you for more than 45 years, we have always had you in our hearts. You and Dorothy have had such a gift of hospitality. It was special to see her at Christmas. We are coming this week to celebrate her life and share in happy memories with you. May you experience God's comfort at this time. Love, Ed, Marlene and family - Posted by: Ed and Marlene Penner (brother in law and sister in law) on: Jan 17, 2016

  • Dear George, Geoff, Kathy, Brayden and Bryce, We are so sorry for your loss. Dorothy will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family. With sincere sympathy, Mark and Bozena Szul - Posted by: Mark and Bozena Szul (Friend) on: Jan 16, 2016

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