Martha Penner
Obituary
Our dear sister and auntie, Martha Penner, was born to Pete and Mary Penner, near St. Anne, Manitoba, on February 22, 1947. Her passing was peaceful, but unexpected, during the twilight hours of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at her home, in Whitemouth, Manitoba.
Martha was the third child in a family of fourteen. The Penner family moved to a farm near Elma, Manitoba in 1950, becoming a part of the new congregation at Whitemouth. Martha’s growing years included the routine of household chores, and the role of being an older sister in a large family. Martha attended grades one to eight at the Stony Hill School, walking to school with her siblings and cousins in all variations of Manitoba weather.
As a young girl she answered the Savior’s call and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on June 12, 1959. She valued her salvation and remained faithful to her vows.
As a young adult, she found employment in Alberta. This opened the door to the fulfillment of a dream and a lifelong career. She became one of the first teachers at Lakeview Christian School, Stettler, Alberta. Martha taught school for 40 years. Her students and their achievements were important to her. She loved the challenge of teaching. Martha built her house among the spruce and birch trees, near the home where she grew up. Here she lived and taught at Riverside School.
Summers were spent doing what she loved – hiking, gardening, and travelling with family and friends. She loved sitting by waterfalls or around a campfire. Travels to Brazil, Mexico, and Eastern Canada were treasured memories, especially her trip to Newfoundland in 2023.
Martha enjoyed good health until a year ago. Her declining health was difficult for her. Although she faced these issues with courage, she became tired and weary, begging the Lord to take her Home. The Lord answered her prayer, calling her Home, without an extended time of pain and suffering. We are confident that she is safe in the arms of Jesus.
Left to cherish her memory are her siblings – Ted and Averill, Norquay, SK; Susan and Wayne Froese, Grandview, MB; Philip and Sandra, Whitemouth, MB; Alfrieda and Phil Martin, Rio Verde, Goias; Laura and Kevin Boese, Macon, MS; Josy, Blumenort, MB; Louella Holden, Hinton, AB; Bill Holden; Peter and Ann, Elma, MB; Rosalie and Darc Loewen, Delisle, SK; brother-in-law Rodney and Stella Froese, Grandview, MB; thirty-five nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, one sister-in-law, and two nieces.
The viewing will take place on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 7:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m. with memories starting at 7:30 p.m., at Whitemouth Mennonite Church, 60231 PR 406, Whitemouth, MB.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., at Whitemouth Mennonite Church, with viewing starting at 10:00 a.m.
