Penner, Lydia Klaassen (1903-1975)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Jan 9 p. 29

Birth date: 1903 Apr 30

text of obituary:

LYDIA PENNER

(Mrs.) Lydia Penner was born, the eldest of eight children, to Mr. and Mrs. John M. Klaassen in Hillsboro, Kansas on April 30, 1903. After several years of illness she passed away on December 11, in Vancouver.

The Klaassen family moved to Waldeck, Sask. in 1913. When Lydia was 15 she lost her mother, and helped to raise the remaining children in her family. She accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour at an early age, and was baptized and received into the Waldeck Mennonite Brethren Church. She later attended the Herbert and Hepburn Sask.) Bible schools . She spent many years of her life nursing the sick and the elderly, and dearly loved the Lord and the church, where she helped with teaching, singing, and ladies' group activities.

She married John Penner in 1947 and provided a home for John's eight year old son, Clancy, who had lost his mother several years earlier. After major surgery 11 years ago her activities in the home and church were restricted. She accepted her illness as part of the Lord's plan for her life, and appreciated the faithful visits and fellowship of other church members. Rev. John Dyck officiated at a funeral service, held November 15 at the Culloden MB Church, Vancouver.

She leaves to mourn, but not without hope, her husband, John, her son Clancy and his wife, MaryAnne, three grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.