PENNIE, Willene. On June 19, 2014, Margaret Willene "Billie" Pennie of Nanaimo, BC passed away peacefully in her own home with her family near. Billie was born in Carman, Manitoba in 1921. She served in the Air Force during the war, and with her characteristic determination and intelligence pursued a varied and interesting career, often being the first woman in many positions. She completed her Bachelors degree in 1970 at the age of 49, in the same year as her son, Ken, received his; she received her Masters degree in 1976. She lived in White Rock & taught business at Douglas College, before retiring in Nanaimo. Willene was a wonderful role model to her son, Ken (Lise) and a loving and encouraging Grandma to Nicolas. She was much loved and respected by her sister Joyce (Dave), brother Fred (Joyce), and was a much admired Auntie Billie to all her nieces and nephews. Willene will be remembered as an individualist who dared to be different and at the same time honoured others. Always positive; never judgmental, she was a great listener. We will miss seeing her cheer on her favourite tennis players, the curling teams, or her beloved Blue Jays, and her crossword puzzles or a good book were always at hand. She so enjoyed her "cocktail hour" with Dave and family. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Instead, the family will gather and raise a toast to a truly special lady!
A special thank you to her excellent physicians, Dr. O'Farrell and Dr. Winkler, & all her wonderful home-care staff. She was able to live her life her way, to the end, because of you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.