CHRISTINE RUTH PENNER

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• It's November 23/24. Was just thinking about you today. When you left St. Johns High School I thought there will never be a VP like her and there wasn't. I really missed you when you left. You were always a great support to the students and staff. We all adored you so much. Your sparkling smile. Your energy that just lifted the room with your presence. You always showed us love, compassion and understanding when we doubted ourselves. You will always be in my heart. Thank you for all you've done. I think of you often, you will always remain a special spirit always by my side. Love you Mrs. Penner you are greatly missed. - Posted by: Charlene Bruyere (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2024

• I just heard of Chris' passing today. My condolences John, she was a very special lady. My wife Zee and I first met Chris and John some 15 years ago. They had recently purchased a cabin a little before us at lake St George. She was a wonderful lady taking to fishing like she was a natural. We were blessed to call both Chris and John our friends. - Posted by: David Hidlebaugh (Friend) on: Aug 17, 2022

• I am so saddened to hear about Mrs.Penner! She was always so sweet and the most caring super independent we could ask for. I remember Mrs.Penner and her smile and she always would light up the room when she would come to the school. Mrs.Penner was always so intrigued by the anti bullying and 3rd world country work i do, and i always looked up to her. My deepest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Tara Green (Former Student) on: Oct 05, 2020

• Christine was a very special lady. I had the great honour of meeting and working with her on the Board of the Interlake School Division. I was a part of the hiring committee who interviewed and consequently hired her to be assistant superintendent and then superintendent position of our school division. The first time I met her, at the first interview, she blew me away with her enthusiasm and creative ideas for our school division. There was a positive side for everything as far as Christine was concerned and her treatment and respect for others was foremost in her decision making. I loved her enthusiasm and the work she did for others in third world countries and how that mushroomed to include the students in our schools in the Interlake. And I will always have a special picture of her, with my niece Agot (recently adopted from Sudan by my brother) curled up on her lap at our fundraiser for Cancer Care Manitoba which she very kindly agreed to MC a few years ago. I can still see her coaxing Agot, who was very shy, to come and sit on her lap and spend some time with her while watching the show. And then I see her laughing with my son Chris after his funny recitation, and then every time she saw him after that evening. She made him feel very special and I love her for that. I'm so sorry for all of her family who have experienced this great loss. Our thoughts are with you. Sandra, Christopher and Sasha Wiebe - Posted by: Sandra Wiebe (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2020

• Ahh, John: Only in the past few days have we learned of Chris' passing. On our table is a bucket of apples coming from your tree - apples you have shared with Carol so generously. I'm remembering our time together on the condominium board of directors, gathering at your table surrounded by Chris' books and papers as she was launching her doctoral studies. And I understand she was finally able to finish! Your loss, John, is beyond comprehension. Your careful, selfless, dedication to Chris has been inspiring. For you, and for others also loved by Chris, we hope for strength, consolation in its own time, and the continuation of the courage you have already manifested so abundantly. The waves of Grace radiating out from Chris' passage and passing will continue beyond our knowing. Be well, John. - Posted by: Carol & Gerry Ediger (Condominium neighbours) on: Sep 27, 2020

• I never met Christine, but I know her parents and her aunt Clarice. As I read the tributes to her, I can see how she carried on her family's tradition of loving, caring and walking alongside her neighbour, no matter who they were. Sending loving condolences from Ireland. Hilda Toews - Posted by: Hilda Toews (Friend of Christine's parents and her Aunt Clarice.) on: Sep 21, 2020

• To all that knew Christine. Christine's love will light our way while she finds another village that awaits her. We should find happiness in Christine's peace. Good bye sweet lady. From two of many Willard Lake friends that loved you too. Jill Palmer and Bill Palmer. Our sincerest condolences to John, Bev, Terry and family. - Posted by: jill palmer (a friend to John and Christine, Bev and Terry.) on: Sep 12, 2020

• What an incredible life Chris. I am at a loss for words in your shadow of achievements, meaningful interactions with humanity and your loving relationships. The world needs more Chris's thats for sure. I am so sad for all that loved you deeply, as you leave one heck of a void but I trust that they hear your laughter and feel your guidance every day of their lives. Sally B - Posted by: sally Brodrick (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2020

• John and family, our sincerest sympathies. We have enjoyed getting to know Chris over the years. Such a welcoming smile, it was easy to see she carried love in her heart and compassion in her soul. We won't forget her. - Posted by: Doug and Mary Gray (Family friends) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Chris was a wonderful person so accepting and generous with her time. She will be missed. - Posted by: John Iwanski (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Christine was an amazing women. Always full of so much energy and the most positive person on the face of the earth. She has fought an amazing battle and is finally at rest. My thoughts and prayers go out to John and all her family. May the positive stories of her amazing adventures surround you in the days and weeks to come. - Posted by: Susan Gustafson (friend and former colleague from ISD) on: Sep 12, 2020

• There is so much I want to say but as I write this my heart is breaking. This is very hard for me. Chris was a strong woman and she always looked at the brighter side of every situation. I met Chris in 2006, when she called me on the phone and asked me if I wanted to join a support group of other grannies raising grandchildren. I had talked to Chris prior as one of my grandkids (Daniel) had been in a fight and Chris told me she felt so sorry for the boys as they had been forced into it. She was a caring woman. We started in the group and I was drawn to Dale as my soul sister. Chris would take Dale, Clara and myself to talk to people about our group. Chris, I am going to miss your caring and your energy you had every time we met. You became my rock, talking to me when I had sadness, you always brought me back up. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and now you can start a granny group there with Dale and all the grannie angles there. I know you all will be waiting for each of us. I love you Chris and my heart is breaking, you and Clara can walk hand in hand to meet our wonderful maker, God speed and RIH. I love you my friend, sister and leader, love Pat L - Posted by: Patricia Lippai (she was,a friend,a leader and a non-blood sister) on: Sep 12, 2020