Tribute

Helen passed into the presence of her Lord on August 15, 2019.  She was born December 6^th 1920 in Ignatwyka, Russia to John and Sara (Schellenberg) Penner.  Helen and her family immigrated to Winkler, MB, in 1926.  She accepted the Lord at 14 years of age and was baptized at 19.

She met Albert in Winnipeg through mutual friends and they married June 9^th, 1940.  She was 20 years old.  They moved to the parents farm in Landmark, MB and later to Niverville, MB and finally to Abbotsford, BC in 1971 where they joined Bakerview MB Church.  Helen was a loving caring wife and mother spending most of her married life supporting her husband, working hard alongside him and providing a wonderful home environment for her 5 children.  When her nest emptied Helen spent 25+ years volunteering at the MCC thrift store, making lasting friendships and enjoying her time spent there.

Helen lived her faith and impressed on her children the importance of accepting Christ and being born again.  She did this in her quiet unassuming manner.  Her prayers for her family were constant.  Known for her love, great cooking and her welcoming home it was always a joy for children and grandchildren to be in her home.  She accepted her children and grandchildren unconditionally.

Helen has been predeceased by her husband, Albert, her parents and 6 siblings.  She is mourned and will be sadly missed by her children, Esther (Allen) Andres, Evelyn (Michael) Newton, Irene (Dan) Small, Elma (Ron) Falk and Herb (Sue) Wohlgemut, 16 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Interment was held August 20^th, 2019 at the Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery, Abbotsford BC.  Memorial service was held later at the Menno Home Hospital Chapel, officiated by John Dyck, Menno Home Chaplain.

Sincere thanks to all the staff and volunteers of Menno Home for their endless love and care.