Obituary of Tina Plett

Tina Plett, 89 years, of Steinbach, MB (formerly of Blumenort, MB), passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB, following a brief battle with cancer.

Tina was born to Abram and Margaretha Penner on March 1, 1935. At the age of two, her mother died. Her father later married Anna Koop, who became the mother that Tina knew and loved. She spent her early years on the family farm in the Landmark area. As a young adult, mom decided to go to nursing school, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She got a job in Canora, SK, and later moved back to the Steinbach area, where she worked at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

She met Abe in 1965, when he was her patient following a serious accident. On November 26, 1966, the two were married. They both had a heart for missions and moved to Edinburgh, Texas, where mom attended language school to learn Spanish. They were missionaries in Mexico from 1968-1977. While they lived in Mexico, they had their first two children, Cassandra and Patti. Julie was born shortly after they moved back to Canada. Tina and Abe made their home in Blumenort.

Tina loved caring for others and chose to return to work as a home care aid, as she let her nursing license go upon moving to Mexico. She worked with Southern Health in this role until she retired at the age of 80. Mom loved gardening! When they bought a house in Blumenort, she asked dad to double the size of the garden. She also loved plants and flowers, spending many of her evening hours watering. As children, we learned early on how to help with canning. She was known for her tomato soup and pickles. Mom enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting and embroidery. She sewed many of our clothes growing up. She loved music and often sang with dad at seniors homes. They also recorded several albums.

Mom was a caregiver for all of her children and grandchildren. One of her daughters, Patti, lives with a disability and mom was a strong advocate for her, ensuring Patti could attend mainstream school. She was an active caregiver for her grandchildren, typically having all grandchildren at the house every Wednesday. When dad was sick in the hospital, she spent as much time as possible with him, helping to care for him.

She moved to Bridgepark Manor after dad passed away. She enjoyed getting to know other neighbours, intentionally sitting with different people at meals to get to know them. She also enjoyed the Sunday services and music programs at Bridgepark.

Tina had a strong faith in God. She made a point of spending time every day reading her Bible and praying for each member of the family. She longed for every person in her family to have a close relationship with Jesus and prayed for this regularly. She knew so many verses by heart. She trusted God with her life, and had peace about whatever outcome would happen with her recent surgery.

She is survived by three daughters – Cassandra (Gerald), Patti (Kevin), and Julie (Greg), four grandchildren: Kaia (Dylan), Brittany, Josh (Allyson), and Brady; one sister Rosa; two brothers: Henry and Johnny; sisters-in-law Faith and Esther, and in-laws from Abe’s family.

She was predeceased by her husband Abe, her parents Abram and Margaretha Penner, stepmother Anna Penner, sisters Maria, Justina, Helena, Liese, and brothers Benny and Rudy.

We will all miss mom dearly. We know she will enjoy reuniting with her loving husband and family who have gone before her. As a family, we would like to thank Dr. Rivard and his team for the wonderful care they gave during her cancer journey. We also would like to thank those who cared for mom at Health Sciences Centre and Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

The funeral service for Tina will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service.