Marilyn Agnes Penner

Our dear sister, Marilyn Penner, was born on February 22, 1940 the second child of John G. and Agnes Penner in Steinbach, Manitoba. She peacefully passed away from cancer on October 4, 2024 at Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB. 

Marilyn got her education at the Greenland North School. Being the oldest daughter in a family of nine, she became a responsible big sister, helping care for her younger siblings, especially after she completed her schooling. She sewed for all her younger sisters and taught them to sew. While quite young she helped with farm work, feeding chickens, gathering and grading eggs and later driving tractor. Her help was much appreciated by her parents. She loved her family and was a loyal sister to us. Being somewhat shy, she counted on her family for friendship. In the last years we enjoyed our evenings with her, playing Scrabble and Qwirkle.

Marilyn gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized on December 20, 1953 by Minister John M. Penner. In spite of medical and spiritual tests throughout her life, we are thankful that she also experienced peace of mind. She asked for and appreciated the prayers we had with her. In the end she was an overcomer.

She found jobs away from home, working at the Greenland telephone exchange as switchboard operator and at a sewing factory. She spent most of her working years doing night shifts as a health care aid at the Bethesda Personal Care Home. There she earned her HCA license and enjoyed working with the team, providing a valuable service to mankind. We liked hearing stories of her experiences as a caregiver. Marilyn enjoyed reading and she was very creative: sewing, crocheting, and knitting. We cherish the many gifts she made for us through the years. 

Marilyn enjoyed her own little domain when she moved into a mobile home on the yard of her sister, Joyce and Larry Goossen, who were faithfully on hand to assist her when needed. Marilyn’s plants and flowers were amazing! In later years, she moved to an apartment in Steinbach, then to Stonebridge Villa. Her last month was spent at Maplewood Manor where she was tenderly cared for till her passing. Our thanks to the siblings who spent many precious hours with her. This drew us together as a family. 

Those left behind are her siblings: her youngest sister Joanne, Mitchell, MB, with whom she was very close; Lorraine and Edgar Wohlgemuth, Ste. Anne, MB; Marvin and Josie Penner, Steinbach, MB; Sylvia and Leon Wohlgemuth, Swan River, MB; Joyce and Larry Goossen, Ste. Anne, MB; Florence and John Isaac, Steinbach, MB; Ruth and Leonard Unruh, Grafton, ND; and oldest brother Lloyd, Stettler, AB; her nieces and nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, an infant brother, an infant sister, one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law.

The family thanks the Silver Lining workers and the Maplewood Manor staff for their excellent care. 

A viewing will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Crossings Funeral Care, Steinbach, Manitoba. With sharing of memories beginning at 7:30 pm. For those who are unable to attend the sharing of memories will be livestreamed, using this link.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 11 ,2024 at the Greenland Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church, Greenland, Manitoba. Followed by the interment and reception. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join them through audio stream using this link.