We Remember

PENNINGA, Marie Lina Henriette Mellies

June 27, 1920 — April 7, 2012

Marie Lina Henriette Mellies was born June 27,
1920 in Hiddesen W. Germany, to Heinrich and Henriette Mellies.  She was the eldest in the family of four brothers and one sister, all who have predeceased her.  She met and married the love of her life, Gerrit Penninga, October 9, 1943, during the second world war, and experienced fifty years together, until his death on April 26, 1994.  Gerrit and Marie immigrated to Canada in 1952 with their three children, Ruth, Hank and Ernst.  It was hard to say good bye to their parents and brothers and sisters, but they were convinced that Canada offered more opportunities for their young family.  They struggled to make a good life here, to learn the Canadian ways and customs, and to model what a Christ centred, God fearing family was like.  They moved thirteen times across the country before arriving in “The Promised Land” Kelowna in 1958.  Marie got to visit her homeland and her family there twenty-five times over the years.  She was also very fond of her Dutch relatives through marriage, and often mentioned how well they had accepted her!
After Marie’s retirement from Rutland Meat Market which they ran as a family from 1958-1968, she enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower garden!  Many people also got to enjoy the fruits of her labor.  She enjoyed baking – at Christmas especially and also strawberry torte’s for everyone’s birthday.  One thing Marie did not enjoy doing was moving, and you can understand why.  She moved on to her mansion that was promised to her on Apr 7, 2012.  Left to mourn her passing are her children Ruth & Mo Umran, Hank & Cheryl Penninga, Ernie & Ruth Penninga, nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  She was affectionately known as Oma by more than just her family.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 am at Kelowna Christian Reformed Church, 239 Snowsell Street.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gideon’s, c/o 593 Spruceview Place South, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1S8.

Service
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 am

Location
Kelowna Christian Reformed Church

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Gideon’s, c/o 593 Spruceview Place South, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1S8

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for PENNINGA, Marie Lina Henriette Mellies is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 am . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Kelowna Christian Reformed Church

239 Snowsell Street Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Loretta (Hauk) Wittur says:
    May 8, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    Deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother.

    Reply
  • Randy Benson says:
    May 9, 2012 at 6:55 am

    My sincere condolences to the Penninga family in the passing of your Oma. I know she has left a lasting and Godly legacy. Her family is a reflection of that. Sincerely, Randy Benson

    Reply
  • Paddy and Sandy Kavanagh says:
    May 9, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    We are sorry for the loss of your lovely Mom. We met her only briefly when we were neighbours of Ruth and Ernie but see the wonderful life she led reflected in her children and grandchildren.

    Reply
  • Maria and Godefridus says:
    May 13, 2012 at 6:20 am

    To Ruth Hank and Erny and fam.
    Van Harte gecondoleerd met het verlies van jullie lieve moeder.
    Wij denken aan jullie in deze moeilijke tijd van afscheid nemen .Maar zijn ook dankbaar voor haar lange leven.
    Heel veel liefs en sterkte toegewenst van de fam Van den Eerenbeemt.Namens ons allen.De hartelijke groeten en veel sterkte.
    Wied en Maria.

    Reply

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