Obituary of Josephine Merle Penson

May 16, 1940 – September 9, 2019

On Monday, September 9, 2019 Josephine Merle Penson (Juneau) passed away peacefully at the Prairie Lake Hospice at the age of 79. 

Mom was born on May 16, 1940 in Beaverlodge, Alberta but grew up on the family farm west of Hythe. Fondly nicknamed “little Jo” by her father, Mom’s small statue never stopped her from being a force to reckon with. She developed an appreciation of hard work at a young age that carried her throughout life.

Mom attended high school in Grande Prairie while living in a dormitory and it was during this time that she befriended Maddy Penson.  Mom’s first view of Maddy’s older brother Lyle was his feet dangling out of a car window, work boots and all. Eventually they would marry on June 20’th, 1958 and were a loving couple for 49 years until Dad’s accidental passing in 2007.

Mom and Dad carved a farm out of bush land. The early days were not easy as Dad worked long periods of time away in camp which required mom to keep house and home with small children but without the modern conveniences of even those times. Eventually their hard work paid off and they were able to travel.  Mom enjoyed seeing the country from the passenger side of their RV. Our family will cherish many good memories of mom.

 Left to grieve her loss are her children:

Dan (Sue Taylor), Amy (Chris) Richards, Aaron (Jane) Penson, great-granddaughter Rya Penson

 Joanne Penson-Boucher (Gene Ozon), Kaitlyn Boucher (Keegan Curry), Travis Boucher and Adam Boucher

Charlene (Ross) Kusch, Allison Kusch (Jacek Dryblak) and Shauna Kusch

 Russell (Shelley) Penson, Jordan Penson (Paige Commet), Cole Penson (Talisa Nellis), and Andrea Penson

Josephine is also remembered with love by Shelagh Perez and Dwayne Boucher

Siblings; Francis (Joy) Juneau, Lois (Stan) Podulsky, Richard (Carol) Juneau and sister-in-law, Arta Juneau.

In-laws; Shirley Penson, Norine Arlint, Maddy Jebb, Charlie (Bernice) Penson, Jackie (Wayne) Connell, Marlene (Jim) Harper, Gwen (Dale) Smith, and Sandra (Ivan) Tissington.

Pre-deceased by her husband, Lyle Penson, her parents, Henry and Mae Juneau; her brothers Alfred, Dave and Sanford Juneau; sisters Bea Ryan and Lorraine Hightower and in- laws; Kevin Ryan, Lee Hightower, Don Penson, Norma Steinke, Leslie Penson, Maurice Jebb, and Jack Arlint

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Grovedale Community Hall on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm with internment to follow at the Grovedale Cemetery.

 If so desired and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society, #204, 10134 97 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB  T8V 7X6

The family would like to thank staff on 3N for the kindness they showed to Mom during her admission and to the special people who work at Prairie Lake Hospice, their compassion will never be forgotten.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com