PENNER: Irene Edna (nee Emberly) Penner, wife of Henry, passed away peacefully at her residence, Central Park Lodge, Brandon, on Friday, September 1, 2000. Irene was born in Carman, Manitoba February 18, 1923 to James and Edna Emberly. She was predeceased by her parents; an infant son Melvin; step-brother Alfred DeMille; brothers Clarence and Herbert; brother-in-law James Clearwater and John Penner; and sister-in-law Helen Falk. Irene is survived by her husband Henry of almost 54 years; son James and wife Patricia of Winnipeg; daughter Carole and husband Bruce Povah of Kelowna, BC and grandchildren Cheryl, Andrew and Julia; daughter Daphne and husband Dale McMann of Prince George, BC and grandchildren Matthew and Hillary; son Douglas and wife Pauline of Victoria, BC. Sisters: Isabel Clearwater of Portage and Doreen Brown and husband Ken of Ste. Rose du Lac, MB, and numerous cousins also survive. Irene spent the first 17 years of her life on a farm at Roseisle, MB and attended elementary school at Emberly School located on their farm. She graduated from high school at St. Claude, MB. Irene moved with her family to Langruth, MB in 1940, when her father bought the Esso Service station and restaurant, which was operated by her mother and Irene. In 1946 she married Henry Penner who worked for Canadian National Railways and over the years moved several times as his work demanded. They eventually settled in Brandon in 1969. Irene always became involved in every community she lived. In church, she played the organ or piano and taught Sunday school. In her childrens activities in school and any group they became involved in she actively supported them. She was also active in sports such as badminton and curling. Irene loved to watch hockey games or baseball games live or on T.V. She enjoyed her knitting, sewing, crocheting and crafts. In 1955 Irene joined the Order of the Eastern Star which brought her much pleasure and many friends. She served her Chapters well by filling any office she was elected or appointed to. She served as Worthy Matron twice, being appointed to a Grand Chapter of Manitoba office and serving as the Manitoba Representative to the State of Minnesota for a two year term. She enjoyed travelling out of Province to attend Grand Chapter Sessions and to General Grand Chapter Sessions which took her to Toronto; Anahiem, CA; and Seattle, WA. She also attended Chapters in Hawaii on several occasions. In 1998 ill health progressed to a point that she required 24 hour a day care and she was moved to Central Park Lodge. Many thanks to the staff at Central Park on the third floor, and especially Dr. Mary Egan. Thanks to Vern Schneider and staff at Memories Chapel and Lydia Glawson for their personal attention and service. According to her wishes cremation has taken place and the ceremony to celebrate Irene's life will be held at Memories Chapel at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday (today), September 5, 2000. Lydia Glawson will officiate. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Irene to either the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 203 - 42 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB, R7A 2B2 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, or Canadian Cancer Society