Obituary of Edith Penner

Edith Ann Penner was born to Elden and Geraldine Quasso Warkentin in Steinbach, Manitoba, on September 18, 1953. Her life was suddenly ended on Friday, October 14, 2022, along with her husband, in a tragic car accident at the age of 69.

Her happy childhood was spent on her parent’s farm in Greenland, Manitoba, with her four sisters and two brothers. She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on March 27, 1969, by minister Ed Barkman.

She married Melvin Penner, the love of her life, on June 1, 1973, in Greenland, Manitoba, sharing 49 wonderful years. Five precious children were born to this union, two daughters passing away in infancy.

Our parent’s warm hospitality brought many people in to our home. Mom’s love of cooking was well known. She delighted in putting on a delicious spread using her beautiful dishes and doilies which she collected in their many travels. Celebrating family birthdays was special because she let us choose the menu. Birthdays were important to Mom and she remembered all of them. Her family and friends benefited from her lovely handmade cards and thoughtful gifts.

Edith loved being outside in her yard and garden among the flowers and the birds. Preparing cakes, syrups, and jellies to feed the wide variety of birds that came to her deck was a constant source of joy for her. Her garden was large and prolific and she happily shared from its abundance. When us children grew weary from picking the long rows of beans and peas she would make the task less tedious by entertaining us with stories.

Mom loved her home and yard, but she happily partnered with Melvin in his ministry, traveling to Belize, Brazil, Paraguay, India, Bangladesh, Romania, Germany, and Kenya. Many lasting friendships were made. Special to her was the love and support shown to her by their Kenyan friends when she was not able to come home for her mom’s funeral.

Being a grandma to her eleven grandchildren brought out all the best in her. The treats, toys, stories, and time-spent were some of her happiest moments. Her great-grandchild was the icing on the cake!

Mom was a warm, generous woman, with an infectious giggle and kind, compassionate blue eyes. She quickly saw the needs of others and in her quiet way, stepped up to help.

Her faith in God was precious to her and carried her throughout her life, but it was not without its struggles. Coming to God with her doubts and fears she found the peace and calm that only God can give.

Our hearts are broken, but we are left with precious memories and the hope of our reunion in heaven.

Her family: Geraldine Saul, Ste. Anne, Manitoba, Sam Saul, Brooksville, MS, their children Cynthia and Kevin Johnson, Dumas, AR, Kayla and Troy Giesbrecht and great-granddaughter Miranda, Glenn, CA, Alisha Saul, Bono, AR, Sam Taylor Saul, Brooksville, MS, Lonnie and Danita Penner and their children, Saige, Athena, Monty, Jalisa and Tristan, Yorkton, SK, LaWanda and Anders Penner and their children, Karli, Alex and Giovanni, Ste. Anne, MB.

Her siblings: Carol and Dennis Barkman, Swan River, MB, Ethelyn and Myrle Wohlgemuth, Centreville, NB, Pat and Tony Friesen, Brendenbury, SK, Les and Cyndy Warkentin, Landmark, MB, Bonnie and Joel Penner, Saltcoats, SK, Jim and Christine Warkentin, St. Paul, AB, their families, and all of Melvin’s family.

She is predeceased by two daughters, Judith Ann (1977) and Paula Charlene (1979). One great-nephew, and her parents.

Viewing will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenland Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Greenland, Manitoba. A devotional will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral service will take place on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Greenland Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Greenland, Manitoba, with interment to follow at the Church of God in Christ Cemetery, Greenland, Manitoba.