KATHERINE (KAY) ROMAN (PENNER)

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KATHERINE (KAY) ROMAN
(nee PENNER)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Katherine (Kay) Roman on June 30, 2021 at St. Boniface Hospital. We are comforted that she rests eternally in God.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 62 years, Rudy Roman; children, Mel (Anke) and Rhonda; and grandchildren, Jeremy and Patrick (Erin). Kay is also survived by sister Helen Siemens, brother Jake Penner, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by parents, Helena and Peter Penner; sisters, Agatha (Dasch) and Anne (Dyck); and brother Peter Penner.
Kay was born on the family farm at Stuartburn, Manitoba on July 22, 1936, the second youngest of six children. Growing up on a family farm, Kay learned to work hard as a young girl together with her siblings. She learned the values of life centered on loving the Lord and thy neighbour. Though the family didn't have many material possessions, there was always plenty of food, love and involvement with church and community. Kay was diagnosed at an early age with a chronic kidney problem which put a strain on her health in childhood. It was a long walk to the nearest school, and while she was an avid learner in class, often illness or family duties kept her home. In 1953, the family settled in Altona, Manitoba.
When Kay was only three years old, her mother was paralyzed on the left side by a stroke, so the family pulled together to care for her. As older siblings left home, Kay became the primary caregiver to her mother until she left to start a life in Winnipeg at age 20.
Upon arrival in the city, Kay worked and lived in the West End. One evening in September 1957, she attended a dance where she was swept away on the dance floor by Rudy, the love of her life. The couple married on September 13, 1958 at St. John Lutheran Church in Rosenfeld, Manitoba.
After having her son in 1961, Kay devoted herself completely to motherhood and making a wonderful home for her family. As Rudy was on the road a lot as a long haul trucker (and later a Greyhound bus driver), Kay managed everything on her own on the home front when he was away – not an easy task with two youngsters underfoot.
Kay mastered the art of hospitality, was a good cook and loved to entertain guests; there was always room at the table for anyone who dropped by. She baked regularly and was known for delicious pies, cookies, tarts, cakes, buns and special breads that were enjoyed by family and friends. Kay was gifted in knitting and crochet – she made many afghans for people living in personal care homes. Kay was an excellent seamstress, sewing most of our clothes as we grew up. She was also a talented gardener of perennials and vegetables, adept at canning and preserving foods - she always knew how to stretch a dollar.
Kay was an extrovert; easily connecting with people and blessed with many friends. She always stayed in touch with friends and relatives, even when people moved away. She was fond of long phone conversations. Together with her husband, Kay was an active member for decades at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, then St. Mark's Lutheran Church where she was involved in women's groups, committees, fundraising, and organizing funeral receptions. Kay volunteered at Grace General Hospital – Women's Auxiliary for 25 years every week. She also volunteered as a friendly visitor for isolated seniors, as well as a cultural co-host with Rudy for refugees from Poland and Bosnia, offering a hand of friendship for years while supporting them to adjust to life in Canada.
Grandsons, Jeremy and Patrick became her pride and joy when they arrived. She relished every moment with them, making regular trips to Kitchener/Waterloo to share in their lives.
Accompanied by her husband, Kay enjoyed travel to various countries in Europe – Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, and the UK, and toured Canada's eastern and western shores. Other memorable vacations were spent in Hawaii, the Caribbean, and numerous trips to Branson, Missouri (where she and Rudy enjoyed live country western music). Kay spent several winters in Texas with Rudy, staying in trailer parks, socializing with other snowbirds, and keeping active. Throughout life, Kay enjoyed card games with friends and family members. The favourite was Canasta – a game that she and Rudy taught their grandsons. Together with Rudy, she attended a seniors' card playing club weekly at a local church parish hall.
A memorial service will be arranged at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Winnipeg when COVID restrictions are lifted. All are welcome to attend to remember Kay, share stories, and extend a comforting hand as the family lives with her loss.

May you rest in peace, and rise in glory.

For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2021