Obituary of Irene Penner

Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Irene Warkentin Penner was born November 21, 1928 to Jacob and Katherine Wiebe Warkentin in rural Ste. Anne, Manitoba.

She peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 two days before her 92nd birthday. The suffering she endured the last while is over and she is at rest.

Mom had a happy childhood in the Greenland, Manitoba area. As the oldest daughter in a large family she helped care for her younger siblings. At the tender age of 11 years she gave her heart to God and was baptized on May 2, 1940 into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. She remained faithful to these vows until the end.

On October 9, 1949 she married Edwin Penner and so began their union of over 57 happy years. Dad and Mom joyfully welcomed 6 sons and 1 daughter into their home. After living in southern Manitoba a number of years, we moved north to Swan River where a congregation was just beginning. Mom’s unselfish hospitality was enjoyed by the many guests we hosted in our home. Cooking and serving meals to family and friends filled an important place in her life. Gardening was a joy to her and we remember her beautiful flowers.

Mom lovingly cared for her family and faithfully stood by Dad in his work for the Church. Her grandchildren were precious to her and she had a concern that we would all be faithful. Prayer was an important part of her life. Expressions of love from Mom were felt by her acts of service to her family. As difficult times were experienced the grace of God was always present to see us through.

In later years Dad and Mom spent some time as houseparents at the boys’ unit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There she found fulfillment in cooking for boys again.

In 1997 Dad and Mom retired and moved to town where they resided until Dad passed away in 2007. She felt very lonely after his passing.

In the fall of 2012 Mom had a stroke and moved to Maplewood Manor, where she resided until her passing. We as a family wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for the loving care she received there. May God bless you all!

Mom is lovingly remembered by her children: Larry & Dolores, Roblin, Manitoba; Denver & Marilyn, Swan River, Manitoba; Dayton & Sarah, Beausejour, Manitoba; Myron & Veronica, Swan River, Manitoba; Marilyn & Phil Penner, Iroquois, South Dakota; Darrel & Vivian, Orleans, Indiana; Lyle & Donella, Swan River, Manitoba; 31 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren; brothers: Louis Warkentin, Edith Warkentin, Pincher Creek, Alberta; Clifford & Naomi Warkentin, Rio Verde, Brazil; Milton & Cheryle Warkentin, Cartwright, Manitoba; Dewayne & Adeline Warkentin, Ste. Anne, Manitoba; Marlin & Kathy Warkentin, Ste. Anne, Manitoba. Sisters: Doris Penner, Rosenort, Manitoba; June & Denton Barkman, Cartwright, Manitoba; Irma & Lewis Giesbrecht, Royalton, New Brunswick.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, parents-in-law, 13 brothers-in-law, 12 sisters-in-law.

Arrangements are pending.