Penner, Heather Lee

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PENNER: With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Lee (Hatch) Penner. She passed away peacefully on August 9, 2021, with family by her side and in her heart. She was an amazing wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, family member and friend, and her loss will be felt by all who knew her. Heather Lee Hatch was born on June 22, 1944, to Harry and Wynne Hatch, and was raised on the farm near Oak Lake. She loved animals and participated in 4-H and musical pursuits, including the Hatch Sisters singing group with her sisters, Sharon and Linda. She was a big help on the farm through her school years. After graduation, she attended teacher training in Brandon and began her teaching career in McCauley. She was soon recruited to be one of the first Kindergarten teachers in Brandon. Her patience, caring nature and creativity made her an exceptional teacher and day care provider to countless children. She had a home day care for more than 25 years. "Her kids" stayed in her heart and thoughts long after they left her care, and she remains in their hearts, too. She also ran a costume rental business with her mom for many years. She met and fell in love with Eric Penner in Oak Lake, and the high school sweethearts celebrated their 55th anniversary on August 6th. Theirs was a very special partnership, filled with love and laughter, a relationship that many were influenced by and wanted to emulate. After their marriage, they lived in Brandon, in the same house on 22nd Street since 1968. This home always had an open door for family and friends... and was full of food! Three children completed their family – Kelsey Jo, Trever and Ryan. Words can't do justice to what a wonderful mother she was to her own children, and to many who considered her a second mom. Mom loved with her whole heart and always put family first. She supported her kids in whatever activity or adventure they came up with, and was their champion and number one fan always. She was so happy when she had her precious grandchildren, Trey and Tessa, to adore and spoil! Her unconditional love, gentle care and example of living life with joy and hope will be very missed. We will all strive to live up to her amazing example in our lives. Lee also loved her friends dearly, old and new. Everyone who felt her hug or smile knew her care was genuine. Her second home and "happy place", the cabin at Oak Lake, provided endless hours of fun with friends. She loved many activities...cards, board games, yard games, happy hours, campfires, dancing, dressing up, acting up... her capacity for fun was well known! All of the activities included lots of people and she was often the life of the party. Music was also a life long love. She played guitar most of her life and led many a sing song playing with Eric. True harmony. Lee will be missed so much, but we take comfort in knowing she lived life fully, and the way she wanted to. She will live on in our hearts forever. Lee was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Wynne. She is survived by her husband, Eric, her daughter Kelsey Jo, her son Trever and his wife Robyn and children Trey and Tessa, and her son Ryan, her sisters Sharon Zilkey and Linda Hatch, and her dearly loved extended family and friends.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 14, 2021