Dorothy Merina Penno
It is with extremely broken hearts that the family of Dorothy Penno announces her passing on January 10, 2008, at Talarico Place in Castlegar, BC.
Dorothy was born on March 18, 1923, to Duncan and Jane Stewart in McAuley, Manitoba. She was raised on a farm with her sister Lillian, and her brothers Lloyd, Bob, Will, Fred and John.
At the age of 18, Dorothy enlisted in the service of her country and was stationed in Winnipeg. Achieving the rank of Corporal was one of her greatest accomplishments and one of her proudest memories. It was in the army that she met her husband, Alex Penno, a military police officer.
They married on August 14, 1943, and had their only child, Ron, two years later.
Dorothy was well known for her good cooking, and she loved to feed people!
She and Alex opened up their own cafe called “Penno’s”, where she cooked and served her home-cooked meals. She was also the sole cook in a logging camp for over 30 men, while at the same time raising a small child, without any of the modern conveniences that we take for granted. She was an honoured member of the Order of the Royal Purple, where she volunteered her time and love to help raise money for children and families in need.
Dorothy was deeply devoted to her family and a very giving person to everyone she was around. She rarely thought of herself – her loyalty was to her family. Throughout her life, Dorothy was a wonderful role model for us. She was honest, hard-working, generous, strong, kindhearted, spunky and incredibly brave. Through good times and bad, she always held her head high with dignity and determination to not let anything get her down. Even with failing health, she thought not of her own suffering, but of the heartbreak she knew we would face. Her positive attitude and strong will are an example for us all.
We are so very proud of her. Dorothy has joined her husband in God’s Heavenly Kingdom, where they wait to be reunited with their family.
Our lives will not be the same without her. We shall miss her terribly every day.
We love you, Nana.
