Maria Penner nee Friesen Obituaries

Mennonite Genealogy with Michael Penner

Maria Penner (1880-1945) Obituaries

Obituary from Botschafter der Wahrheit, 16 April 1945, p. 15

The sister, widow Peter M. Penner of Prairie Rose, who had an existing heart condition for some time, and yet recently had so much strength, wanted to visit her children who work at a sawmill about 80 miles into the forest. She was already ready to go on the trip, and went back into the house, where she fell and suddenly died. The funeral celebration is to take place Saturday, April 14. This is yet again a very serious warning for us all to be ready.

Joh. B. Toews ■

Obituary from Christlicher Familienfreund, May 1, 1945, p. 12

Obituary of our dear Mother, widow P. M. Penner, born Maria W. Friesen.

That pleased the Heavenly Father, to take from us our dear mother, Tuesday April 10 at 11:45 in the morning by her sudden passing in order, as we firmly hope, to bring her into the heavenly home.

Mother saw the light of this world in Hochstadt, Manitoba, on December 23, 1880. Before she had yet finished her school years, her parents moved to Dakota in the United States. After some years, however, they returned again, after mother had grown up into a young woman. Early in her life, she accepted His welfare and on her faith was baptized, in order to be now and eternally owned by Jesus. On January 26, 1902, she gave her hand in marriage to our father, P. M. Penner, and they shared joy and sorrow until February 19, 1936, when father was called home by death, due to an appendicitis operation. From there she lived on as a widow with her children, and apart from her inner pain and struggles, completely happy on the farm. Before two years passed, she was be examined by a physician, who diagnosed a weak heart, which, as he said, also could cause her sudden passing. She probably often felt thereafter that caution was necessary.

Now, on April 10, she finished, in order to drive to Mafeking to the children, who were still living in the bush. Although she felt completely fine, the dear God had decided it differently, and instead of going to Mafeking she went to the heavenly homeland. She was already in the car; however because it was too wet and driving conditions were poor, she got out again and went indoors. However, as soon as she was inside she felt her heart being deeply afflicted, and she said: "who knows whether I will escape this time with my life!" She went to the bed, which she did not reach however, sank down, and her soul left her.

She thus follows our father, after she had served us still 9 years, 1 month, 12 days as a mother and had assisted the community. Although we leave her with peaceful hearts, we know nevertheless already now that the home without Mother will be very empty.

She lived to the age of 64 years, 3 months, and 19 days. She lived in marriage for 35 years and 24 days. Children born to her were 5 sons, 2 daughters and also two adopted girls. The children are all married except Archie and Ruby, who are still at home; Marie Doerksen feels also nearly as a family member, by her living 13 years in the house almost since childhood, and thus feels the emptiness of the house. There are 26 grandchildren, of which one died. From her siblings, she is survived by 3 brothers and 5 sisters. From children, none have died yet. Thus they survived all this to meet together with many friends, to morn her death, but in hope, as we go before throne of God again where there will be no more separation and mourning.

The funeral took place on April 14 in the afternoon in the Prairie Rose church. From our hearts we thank all participants in our mourning, who stood helpfully by our side, particularly uncle and neighbor A. M. Penner.

The Children ■

Obituary from Steinbach Post, April 18, 1945, p. 4

Witwe P. M. Penner, geb. Friesen, bei Prairie Rose, starb verfl. Dienstag, am 10 d. M., ploetzlich. Begraebnis erfolgte Sonnabend am 14. Wir hoffen auf ein ausfuehrliches Lebensverzeichnis in naechster Zukunft.