Martha passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Health Centre on August 7, 2023 at the age of 93 years.
Martha was born on September 12, 1929 at Baschlitscha, Crimea, South Russia to Nikolai and Maria Enns. She enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in the village of Tschongrav (Crimea) surrounded by her loving and caring immediate and extended families. Martha faithfully attended church and accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age. As a result of World War II, Martha’s family was forced to leave the Crimea and began their journey as refugees from 1941-47. At one point in their journey, Martha was baptized upon confession of her faith, in a river by a travelling minister. Her family lived in the Ukraine, Poland and Germany before immigrating to Canada. Martha, together with her parents and younger brother arrived in Halifax, Canada in October, 1947 and settled in Kitchener, Ontario. Martha helped support her family by working at J. M. Schneiders. She made many life-long friends through work and by attending the youth program and church services at the Kitchener M.B. Church. Martha sang in the choir and enjoyed acting in many plays at church. Martha met Henry Penner, a farmer from Manitoba, at her church in Kitchener in the winter of 1953. They were married on June 4, 1955 in Kitchener.
Following their wedding, Henry and Martha returned to Elm Creek, Manitoba to farm. Their married life was blessed with five children: four sons and one daughter. Martha was a dedicated mother and farm wife. She spent countless hours baking, sewing, cooking, canning, doing laundry, ironing, and gardening but was always willing to entertain her children with her great story-telling while she worked. Martha’s steadfast faith was evident in all parts of her life and she enjoyed serving in various roles in her church community at Elm Creek M. B. Church. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher and also served as church librarian for several years.
After 47 years of farming, Henry and Martha sold their farm and retired to Carman, Manitoba in 1985. Martha enjoyed the serenity of retirement. She enjoyed attending a ladies’ Bible study group, reading, going for coffee with her friends, completing jigsaw puzzles, going for walks, and playing Chinese checkers with Henry. She was a devoted grandmother, who treasured her time with her grandchildren. She was happiest when she was in the midst of her family. Following her move to Boyne Towers and later to the Boyne Lodge, Martha remained a friendly, kind, happy person, who willingly helped anyone in need.
Martha was predeceased by her husband Henry, one daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter (in infancy). She will be fondly remembered by her children: Richard (Mary), Robert (Lorraine), Alvin (Ursula), Harvey (Laurie), and Patricia (Jeff) Podjan; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Private family funeral service and interment will take place at a later date.
Martha was born on September 12, 1929 at Baschlitscha, Crimea, South Russia to Nikolai and Maria Enns. She enjoyed a happy childhood growing up in the village of Tschongrav (Crimea) surrounded by her loving and caring immediate and extended families. Martha faithfully attended church and accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age. As a result of World War II, Martha’s family was forced to leave the Crimea and began their journey as refugees from 1941-47. At one point in their journey, Martha was baptized upon confession of her faith, in a river by a travelling minister. Her family lived in the Ukraine, Poland and Germany before immigrating to Canada. Martha, together with her parents and younger brother arrived in Halifax, Canada in October, 1947 and settled in Kitchener, Ontario. Martha helped support her family by working at J. M. Schneiders. She made many life-long friends through work and by attending the youth program and church services at the Kitchener M.B. Church. Martha sang in the choir and enjoyed acting in many plays at church. Martha met Henry Penner, a farmer from Manitoba, at her church in Kitchener in the winter of 1953. They were married on June 4, 1955 in Kitchener.
Following their wedding, Henry and Martha returned to Elm Creek, Manitoba to farm. Their married life was blessed with five children: four sons and one daughter. Martha was a dedicated mother and farm wife. She spent countless hours baking, sewing, cooking, canning, doing laundry, ironing, and gardening but was always willing to entertain her children with her great story-telling while she worked. Martha’s steadfast faith was evident in all parts of her life and she enjoyed serving in various roles in her church community at Elm Creek M. B. Church. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher and also served as church librarian for several years.
After 47 years of farming, Henry and Martha sold their farm and retired to Carman, Manitoba in 1985. Martha enjoyed the serenity of retirement. She enjoyed attending a ladies’ Bible study group, reading, going for coffee with her friends, completing jigsaw puzzles, going for walks, and playing Chinese checkers with Henry. She was a devoted grandmother, who treasured her time with her grandchildren. She was happiest when she was in the midst of her family. Following her move to Boyne Towers and later to the Boyne Lodge, Martha remained a friendly, kind, happy person, who willingly helped anyone in need.
Martha was predeceased by her husband Henry, one daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter (in infancy). She will be fondly remembered by her children: Richard (Mary), Robert (Lorraine), Alvin (Ursula), Harvey (Laurie), and Patricia (Jeff) Podjan; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Private family funeral service and interment will take place at a later date.