Margaret (Eileen) Pennycook
July 18, 1930 – September 11, 2022
It is with great sadness and a lifetime of wonderful memories that we share the news of Eileen Pennycook’s passing on Sunday Sept 11, 2022 at the age of 92.
Eileen was born in Souris, Manitoba as the youngest child of Doris and James Murphy.
She was predeceased by all her siblings, Stan Murphy, Grace Stephen, Isabel Harman, Frances Thompson, Jean French, Jim Murphy and her son-in-law, Ken Coe.
She is deeply missed by the love of her life, Rod Pennycook; and her six children, Rod Pennycook (Francine), David Pennycook (Cathy), Kathleen Coe (Ken), Margaret Daniel (George), Moira Farrer (Ian), and Chris Pennycook (Linda); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Scott (Vanessa), Mya, Nixon; Shawn (Allison), Owen, Hailey; Alex (Lauren); Tara; Jackie; Andrew (Paige) Maxwell, Wallace; Ben (Amanda) Paige, Luke; Leah (Ashley) Oaklyn; Erica (Blake) Kennedy; Randy; Jordan; as well as Moira Malegus and many nieces, nephews, and their children.
Eileen moved to Winnipeg in 1935, where she resided for the remainder of her life. She was educated at Wellington, Laura Secord, St. John’s and Gordon Bell schools. When she was 15 she met Rod “the sweetheart of her life and the dearest husband she could ask for”. They were paired together by chance during a dance at the Old St. Andrews Young People Group and married in 1951.
Eileen worked for Manitoba Telephone System prior to starting a family in 1952. She was an amazing wife, mother, friend, gramma, and truly lived up to the title of ‘great’ grandma. She was well known for her athletic prowess and encouraged sport and sportsmanship to all. In her early years she played basketball and fencing but in later years golf and curling were her passion. She was decorated with many trophies and was particularly proud to Skip her team to winning the Manitoba Senior Ladies Curling Championships in 1981 and 1991, representing Manitoba in the National Bonspiel in both those years. She made lifelong friends while curling at Valour Road/Thistle (Honorary Member), Wildwood and the Grain Exchange Curling Clubs. Both Rod and Eileen also enjoyed playing in numerous duplicate bridge clubs.
She was extremely generous with her time and energy, serving as the President of the Grain Exchange Curling Club (Honorary Life Member) and on the boards of the Manitoba Curling Association, Winnipeg Symphony, St Amant, and at St. Charles Country Club where she held the position of Ladies President and was one of the first female board members. To better serve these roles Eileen honed her speaking skills through the Toastmasters Organization and attained the role of President for that club.
Eileen’s fondest memories were of her time spent at the family cottage in Gimli with Rod, her children and extended family; her many enjoyable trips across the globe; and especially her winters in Palm Springs. The family Christmas and her birthday golf tournaments were cherished by those that loved her.
She will be remembered and missed for her devotion to Rod and her children, living life to the fullest, being the life of the party, beating all of us at bridge and most card games, and loved by all she touched.
The last couple of years were challenging with Mom bravely battling the debilitating effects of dementia. The family extends their gratitude to the dedicated Arbour Memory Care staff at Brightwater Senior Living with special thanks to Kim Nott and also to private caregivers Pat, Marcela and Brigit.
A full history of the Pennycooks in South Beach is here.