Willems, Marianne Amy Joyce Penner (1941-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Aug 10 p. 32

Birth date: 1941

text of obituary:

MARIANN AMY JOYCE WILLEMS

Mariann Amy Joyce Willems of Waldheim, Sask. was killed in a car accident on May 19. She was born June 20, 1941 to Jacob and Lena Penner in Altona, Man. She attended school in the Rosewell district and in Winkler, Man., achieving the highest marks in Manitoba in the grade 12 departmental exams. Excellence characterized her approach to life. She committed her life to the Lord at an early age. A few years later she was baptized and joined Kronsgart MB Church. The Word of God became increasingly precious to her as she sought answers to life's perplexing problems. She attended Winkler Bible Institute for a year and completed studies in sacred music at MB Bible College, where she blossomed into an excellent singer and pianist. She met Walter Willems at College. They married July 11, 1964 and settled on a farm near Waldheim, Sask. Amy gave her best to her family and encouraged them to do their best. For 24 years they attended Brotherfield MB Church, where she was active in music, Sunday school, club, ladies' fellowship and the North Saskatchewan MB Ladies' Fellowship. After the Brotherfield Church merged with Waldheim MB Church in 1988, she served in various capacities, including working with "Time Out for Ladies". She recovered from a traumatic bout with cancer in 1989 and grew stronger in her faith. Her last solo on April 22 was "I'd rather have Jesus." Predeceased by her parents, she is mourned by her husband; children Colette of Calgary, Debbie of Winnipeg and Collin and Kenton at home; 1 sister and 3 brothers. The memorial service was May 23 in Waldheim MB Church, with John Block, Elmer Andres and Reuben Andres ministering.