Katharina (Tina) Penner passed away peacefully at Bethesda Hospital at 91 years of age on January 7, 2011. She is survived by six children: Nettie (Keith) Riley, Martha Esin, Helen (John) Pedersen, Lydia Penner, Henry Penner and Anne (Dave) Sulz as well as seven grandchildren: Ronda (Brian) Olson (Virginia, Celeste and Brendan), Robert (Clare) Riley, Cody (Melanie) Riley (Evanger and Saiph), Ima Esin, and Kelly, Eric and Roger Pedersen; four siblings: Mary Sawatsky, Agnes (Henry) Giesbrecht, Anna Wiebe, and Tony (Mary) Penner; three sisters-in-law: Mary Penner, Helen Penner and Anna Friesen. She was predeceased by her husband Henry in 1987; an infant son Peter in 1948; her parents Cornelius and Aganetha Penner; and brothers Jacob, Abram and Peter. Katharina was born on April 5, 1919 near Halbstadt, Manitoba. She was baptized in 1939. In 1943, she married Heinrich S. Penner and moved to his farm in Saskatchewan. After spending nine months in Paraguay (1948 – 1949), the family moved to Manitoba. A farm was purchased close to Steinbach, Manitoba in 1959. They retired to their home in Steinbach in 1977. Her husband had numerous health issues and Tina tended to him faithfully and lovingly until his passing. Tina loved to cook, garden, puzzle, play table games, and visit with family and friends. She derived great strength from her faith in Jesus Christ and looked forward to spending eternity in Heaven. She volunteered in church by teaching Sunday school, participating in the Sewing Circle, and serving food at weddings and funerals. Prayers went up regularly for family, friends, acquaintances and missionaries. Family was very important to Tina. Her children and grandchildren appreciated her many acts of love and kindness shown to them over the years. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Tina and her family appreciate the loving care she received at Fernwood, Cedarwood, Rest Haven Nursing Home and Bethesda Hospital as well as the encouragement and prayers of ministers, relatives and friends. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Wednesday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover St, Steinbach. Interment at Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Katharina’s memory to the CMC Board of Missions.