Penner, Maria Guenther (1915-2007)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2007 Jul p. 31 & 2007 Sep p. 30

Birth date: 1915 Nov 9

text of obituary:

MARIA PENNER

Maria Penner died May 7. She was born Nov. 9, 1915. The celebration of life service was May 14 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Editor's note: The additional information was found in 'Find a Grave' and 'Grandma on line'. Maria's Granma's # is 498193.

Maria Penner's obituary in the Sep 2007 edition of the MBH.

Maria Penner died May 7. She was born Nov. 9, 1915 in Nieder Chortitza, Ukraine to Johann and Elizabeth Guenther. In 1936, Maria married Johann Valkowsky and they had 3 children, one of whom died in infancy. In 1941, Johann was drafted into the army and died during the war. In 1943, Maria began a flight to Germany by train. During the flight, the train derailed and her son Hans was killed. Maria and her daughter travelled alone for the rest of the journey. In 1945, Maria married Victor Penner and they had two daughters, both of whom died when they were children. In 1948, the family moved to Paraguay, where both Maria and Victor accepted Christ and were baptized, becoming members of the MB church. They had 7 more children and then immigrated to Canada in 1961, settling in Abbotsford, B.C., where they built a chicken farm and joined Clearbrook MB Church. For 30 years, Maria was involved in a ladies' group at the church, and she and her husband also served as deacons. Victor died in 2002. Maria was a strong Christian woman who enjoyed baking, cooking, and praying for her family. The memorial service was May 14 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.