Tina Penner died May 14, 2011 at 91. She was born Apr. 28, 1920 in Elisabetthal, Ukraine to Nickolas and Helena Dueck. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, settling first in Hawarden, Sask., then in Namaka, Alta. Due to crop failures, they returned to Hawarden. Tina loved learning. She accepted Jesus into her life and became known as a compassionate prayer warrior. In 1937, the family moved to Virgil, Ont., where Tina worked 3 years as a maid for $15/month. In 1939, Tina was baptized into Niagara MB (now Cornerstone Community) Church, Virgil. At a church social in 1940, Tina met Cornie Penner, and they married June 7, 1941. They farmed together, and Tina worked at several canneries. Tina cooked for numerous weddings, Eden banquets, Mennonite Central Committee conferences, and as the first staff cook at Pleasant Manor. Of all the places Tina and Cornie travelled, Israel and Hawaii were Tina’s favourite memories. Tina was a member of Orchard Park Bible (MB) Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Predeceased by Cornie in 2009, 1 brother; Tina is mourned by daughters Eileen (Ron) MacDonald-Johnston, Marilyn (Stacy) Fiander; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters; 4 siblings.
