Penner, Katy (1924-2008)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2008 May p. 34

Birth date: 1924 Mar 15

text of obituary:

KATY PENNER

Katy Penner died Mar. 5, 2008. She was born Mar. 15, 1924 in Schoendorf, Russia and grew up on a farm near Swift Current, Sask. Her early sense of call to Africa led her to Bible college and nursing school. Katy spent 28 years in Africa, going to Congo with MBMSI to start and direct a nursing school in Kajiji. She also took on the direction of an 1,800-bed government hospital in Kinshasa. She returned to Canada to care for family, completed a nursing degree, and taught at the University of Saskatchewan. Katy loved writing and published two books of memoirs. Wherever she lived, the church was a central part of her life and she was the leader of many small groups. She moved to Kelowna in 1996. Katy's legacy is her attitude of selflessness and work towards others' dreams. Predeceased by 3 siblings, she is mourned by siblings Cornelius, Peter (Irene), Henry (Helen), David (Anne), Walter (Velma) and Anne Tymos (Russell).