PENNINGA, MARIE LINA HENRIETTE MELLIES
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 centered, 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.
Condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com,
250-860-7077.