Hannah Phyllis Penner

Our precious sister and daughter, Hannah Penner, left us too young and too soon on May 21, 2022, at the West-Man Nursing Home in Virden, Manitoba. In the presence of her family, Hannah's wishes expressed so often in the last 18 months "to go home to be with Jesus" was finally and fully realized as she entered the glorious presence of her Saviour whom she dearly loved.

Hannah was born on July 25, 1984, the third child to Earl & Florence Penner of Kola, MB. She was creative, talented and artistic, writing and making art prolifically throughout her adult years, as well as singing and playing piano. Her dream was to inspire others through her story, whether in a book or on the big screen.

She performed in high school plays and local theatre productions with the Virden Phoenix Players. She even got to perform in New York City (although not quite on Broadway) while touring with the Covenant Players in 2005.

Hannah's life was marked by numerous and lengthy hospital stays, endless doctor appointments, tests, surgeries, and medications, first due to a Crohn's disease diagnosis at the tender age of 14, then a bipolar disorder diagnosis at age 28.
Yet Hannah continued to live with hope and love, spreading her light and joy to everyone around her. She had an insatiable curiosity about life and an interest in people. She loved making others laugh with her silliness and jokes.

Hannah read extensively - her book collection rivalled those of her preacher grandfathers! She enjoyed philosophy, politics, science, art, sports, and especially history. She also pursued, but due to ill health was unable to finish, a Business Administration diploma through Assiniboine Community College.

In 2015, Hannah met her soul mate, Tim Palaniuk, and they connected over a love of acting: Tim had been an actor in L.A., even starring in a movie with Kevin Costner. Tim was the light of her life and a wonderful companion to Hannah, and they created a beautiful life together with many dreams for their future.

In the fall of 2020, Hannah's Crohn's had begun to intensify, and she was considering the possibility of another surgery when Tim died suddenly at home in Virden on November 11, 2020. Less than a year later, she suffered another heartbreak when her dad, Earl Penner (Sharon Hillis) of Midland, Texas, died on August 9, 2021, from COVID-19.

She never truly recovered from these losses, and her health required more full-time care. She entered Reston Health Centre on March 30, 2021, and then moved into the West-Man Nursing Home on November 1, 2021. As her pain increased, Hannah began to yearn for heaven and being reunited with those she loved, leaning into her faith and personal belief in God as a source of strength. Reading her Bible and listening to hymns were a great comfort to her during these dark times.

We know Hannah is finally free from the intense pain and suffering that threaded through her life. Yet we will deeply miss her unique personality and perspectives, her infectious laugh, her humorous quips, her texts telling us "Hope ure having a great day" and every other part of her special being.

Hannah is survived by her mom, Florence Klassen (Harold) of Kola, MB; sister Hazel Rankovic (partner Jenna) and nephew Julius Rankovic (father Nenad) of Winnipeg, MB; sister Rachel Penner of Victoria, BC; brother Jonas Penner of Winnipeg, MB; as well as grandma, Minna Plett of Steinbach, MB, and numerous aunties, uncles, and cousins.

Hannah greatly appreciated the care of her two primary doctors - GP Dr Jan Roux in Virden and Enterologist Dr Barbara MacKalski in Brandon - who uplifted her spirits and morale in challenging and discouraging times. The family is immensely grateful to the multitude of health care professionals, from aides to nurses to doctors, who tended to Hannah under difficult circumstances.

A recording of the funeral service is available on the Carscadden Funeral Chapel website. Memorial tributes in memory of Hannah may be made to Virden Phoenix Players c/o P.O. Box 699 Virden, MB R0M 2C0.

Messages of condolence may be placed at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com

Carscadden Funeral Chapel - Virden in care of arrangements.