May 8, 1934 - Nov 13, 2017
On Monday, November 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm, Joylene Ina Fay Pennoyer (Knutson), breathed her last breath in this world and, through death, was released from the bonds of this world to forever dwell in the loving fellowship of her Saviour. She is wholly free of the limitations and frailties of body and soul that burdened her these last few years, free of the encumbrances of life in this world.
Mom was born on May 8, 1934 - a Tuesday - in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan to Joseph and Inga Martina Knutson.
She was the youngest of 7 children, her next closest sibling being 10 years old when she was born.
She is predeceased by 5 of her siblings, 3 sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by her sister Ione Glover (Whiterock, BC). She is also predeceased by one son, Kent Arthur Pennoyer, who died at 3 days old.
She is survived by her children, Glenda (Andrew) Bashor, Grand Forks, BC; Ian (Debbie) Pennoyer, Edmonton, Alberta; Greg (Andrea) Pennoyer, Vernon, BC and Rhonda (Peter) Goethel, Oceanside, CA; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was a doting mother of her children. She did whatever she could to keep her children nourished and clothed. Consequently she became a wonderful cook and a capable seamstress. Sunday afternoons and special holidays often revealed Mom's grace as a hostess. Her cinnamon buns...rivalled by none. Christmas was her favourite time of year; she went all out with decorations, baking and celebration with friends and family, and never had enough gifts to shower upon her children and grandchildren.
As is the case with all of us, Mom's journey as a believer in Jesus Christ was a progression of steps and missteps. Her love of God was profound and deeply held, accepting the salvation that He so graciously offers the world. She fought the fight of faith in life, often within the recesses of her own soul and also in fellowship with those who nurtured and supported her faith throughout her life.
She was known for her beautiful contralto voice, in duets, trios, quartets and choirs - and by those sitting in front of her in the pews at church. The music of her life overflowed to and into her children: piano, voice, flute, clarinet, guitar, and trumpet. She nurtured music in our souls and through it, worship of God Almighty.
Her church family was important to her over the years, nurturing her spirit, enjoying the fellowship of believers and keeping her busy driving a few elderly friends to and from church activities and personal appointments. She loved and was loved by her family at Coquitlam Presbyterian Church for many years. We are grateful for the love and fellowship extended to her by the people of this congregation. She constantly prayed for God's protection and guidance over her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, when they were in her home or, as was the case for most of her life, when they were absent from her home, living their lives and raising their own families.
Each of us children have moments we can look back on - unbeknownst to one another - of times when Mom counselled us at crossroads in our own lives. Private moments. Cherished moments. Moments we will miss for the remainder of our own lives.
Now, we rejoice that Mom is with HE who makes all things new. This is our comfort as we feel that deep sorrow of her loss.
A family graveside was previously held. A memorial service will be Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 pm at River Valley Community Church.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grand Forks Funeral Home, gffh@shaw.ca.
Grand Forks Funeral Home