Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Esther Penner Giesbrecht was born December 1, 1915 to Peter A. and Sarah Penner at Blumenhof, MB. She peacefully fell asleep on January 16, 2007, reaching the age of 91 years. Mother grew up in the Greenland area and resided there most of her life. On October 6, 1940, she married John R. Giesbrecht. They shared a happy married life for over 60 years until Dad passed away August 25, 2001. To this union were born 3 sons and 6 daughters. Later they opened their hearts and home to two brothers, whom they accepted as sons. For their retirement years, they moved to Steinbach. A year after Dad died, Mother moved into Maplewood Manor. At the age of fifteen, she yielded her life to Christ and was baptized into the church of God in Christ, Mennonite. She was faithful to God till the end. She had a deep concern for her family and appreciated everyone. Her love was unconditional. Mother was of a reserved nature, diligent and dependable. She was a creative person, spending many hours sewing quilts with Dad and reading. Her gratitude and uncomplaining attitude won the hearts of those around her. After a full life, she is now at rest from the cares and struggles of life. She is survived by four sons and five daughters: Wilma and Weston Barkman, Swan River, MB; Ron and Rose, Ste Anne, MB, Lewis and Irma, Royalton, New Brunswick, Loretta and Robert Warkentin, Steinbach, MB, Glena and Wilbert Giesbrecht, Ste Anne, MB, Lucille and Don Penner, New Norway, AB, Waneta, Royalton, MB, Bob and Tina Funk, Steinbach, MB and Luke Funk and friend Mary, Grunthal, MB; 32 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren; brother Edwin and Irene, Swan River, MB; sister Evelyn and Percy Fast, Iroquois, SD; and sister-in-law Lottie Penner, Stenen, SK. She was preceded by her parents, four brothers, six sisters, her husband, one son and one daughter in infancy. A viewing will be held Friday, January 19, 2007, at Church of God in Christ, Greenland, MB, at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be held January 20, 2007, at the Church of God in Christ at 10:30 AM with interment at church cemetery.