Irene Penman

Alma Irene Penman

(nee Miles)

Peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2011, Irene, mother of Graydon (Harleen), Brian (Donna) and Ken (Edith), passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 96 years.

Predeceased by husband Bertrand, son Keith and parents Jim and Nellie Miles, she leaves to cherish her memory 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Irene is survivied by sister Eva (Frank) Napier of Langley, BC, brother Jack (Helen) Miles of Mepean, ON, sister Doreen Brown of Dauphin, MB and sister-in-law Wilda (Doug) Quail of Fernie, BC and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was born and raised in Dauphin. She attended the final Normal School in Dauphin to become a teacher from 1934 - 35 and taught school in Pearson and Benito, Manitoba. On August 18, 1941, she was married to Bertrand Penman of Dauphin and they made Portage their home.

After raising the 3 boys, Irene returned to teaching at the Manitoba Home for Boys (Agassiz Youth Centre) from 1953 to 1969, the Portage School Division from 1969 to 1979 at which time she retired. Her love was for music and for many years she was the strength in the Family Dance Band. Irene was active in her church, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Royal Purple.

A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Trinity United Church led by Rev. Beth Kerr.

Friends may make donations in Irene's memory to Elks and Royal Purple Fund for children, 100 a�" 2629 29th Ave., Regina, SK, S4S 9Z9 or to Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com