Thiessen Tiena Penner (1919-2006)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2006 Oct 13 p. 26

Birth date: 1919 Apr 29

text of obituary:

TIENA (KAY) THIESSEN

Kay Thiessen died June 26. She was born in Tiege, Russia Apr. 29, 1919 to Heinrich and Katharina Penner. When she was 5, Kay's family immigrated to Canada and settled in Saskatchewan. At 19, Kay was baptized and joined Blumenort (Sask.) MB Church. She married William (Bill) Thiessen Oct. 19, 1940. In 1944, after several years of crop failure on their farm, the family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where Kay supported Bill in his weekly live radio program. In 1959, they moved back to the prairies for pastoral ministry, where Kay's gifts of hospitality and encouragement flourished. They then took on a 10-year assignment with MBMS International in Durango, Mexico to establish a church in the Mennonite colony. Kay taught Sunday school, mentored women, and learned to drive a pickup truck. Kay and Bill retired in Canada in 1983. Kay used the last 23 years of her life to serve her church, friends, and family. She was an award-winning crocheter. Her most treasured, lasting legacy is her daily prayers for her family. She is mourned by Bill; children Marilyn (Peter) Baerg, Robert (Jean), Herb (Nancy), Rick (Aldene); 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings. The celebration of life service was June 30 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.