Obituary of V. Christine Page Penney

V. Christine PAGE PENNEY

October 27, 1936 – September 3, 2018

Time never squandered; compassion never spared.

Under the rainbow of a classic Alberta day, the fates severed an enchanting and beautiful thread. It is with deep and profound love that we share the September 3, 2018 passing of Violet Christine Page Penney, loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

Christine is forever remembered and embraced with love by her daughter Page, and grandchildren Myles, Claire & Simone Penney, and Linden & Nolan Stuart. Her beloved companions Roy and Percy remain in our care. She will be sadly missed by her sister Annabelle, brother Pim, and extended family. Christine was predeceased by her parents Vernard and Violet Page, younger brother John, husband Steve, and son Greg.

Born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Christine Page was a resilient prairie girl raised in the farming community of Kitscoty, Alberta. Christine’s early childhood was forged by unpredictable and economically challenging times, including the years around World War II. She often reflected on the interminable strength required by people during those periods of great adversity. Despite her young age those memories were crisp, and provided her an unwavering sense of purpose. Christine carried those early lessons of stoic pragmatism forward, a theme central to her life-long compassion for people. As a young girl she soon established her legendary love of animals, the farm, and community. Academics were carefully balanced with farming responsibilities, with all but a small portion of Christine’s grade school completed by correspondence. Lessons were routinely completed with excellence early in the year, to be dispersed subsequently by mail. Regardless of activity or purpose, tasks were organized and prioritized, assessed for risk, and executed on time. 

Leaving the Kitscoty community for Edmonton to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Christine was the first in her family to attend University, a point of glowing pride for husband Stephen John Penney. Forever in love, Steve’s two-day courtship of Christine lasted the rest of their lives. Christine’s chosen nursing profession established the platform for what became a multi-faceted and accomplished career, always consciously balanced with her love of “all her people”. As they built their cherished family, Steve and Christine shared a life centred on unwavering principles and ethics, with common loves of animals, music, and anything living. As she herself penned, she lived her life with gratitude for the beauty and bounty of our land and our resources, and for the vision and perseverance of our pioneers. Christine was friend and mentor to a never-ending circle of cherished people; our sincere thanks to all of you who share your stories and love. Her abilities and gifts were spread generously and selflessly, and always with grace.

On behalf of Christine’s beloved people, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the paramedics and emergency department professionals at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital, and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.

"What's gone and past hope, should be past grief."

It is not possible to grieve someone who, with gentle and certain hands, wove straw into gold at every turn, availing the rich and complex tapestry of her countenance to any whose path she touched.

At Christine’s request, cremation has taken place with a private family ceremony to be held at Kitscoty, Alberta Cemetery, where the echo of bagpipes will forever resonate across our beloved bald Alberta prairie. Forever together.

We will be honoured to have you join us for a celebration of Christine’s life on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Norwood Royal Canadian Legion 11150-82 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta anytime between 1 and 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be sent to Kitscoty Community Church, Box 159, Kitscoty, Alberta T0B 2P0; The Family Centre, Success Coach Program #20, 9912-106 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Canada T5K 1C5, or to the charity of your choice.