Penny Lynn Walkin (nee Chennells)

Penny Lynn Walkin (nee Chennells)

Passed on

After a courageous battle with cancer, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Penny passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025 in the Gimli Hospital with her loved ones by her side. 

Left to mourn her passing; her husband Vern Walkin of 20 years, daughters Paulina Myrowich (Chris), Shannon Chester (Lielin) and Jodi Wiebe (Menno), brother Raymond Chennells (Barb), sister Carol Thompson, brothers-in-law Lawrence Walkin (Noreen) and Leonard Walkin (Terese), aunts and uncles, many nieces and nephews and lastly, grandchildren, Ashton, Carson, Grace, and Autumn. Predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Lois Chennells.

Penny was born in Armstrong, BC and later moved to Barriere, BC where she grew up horseback riding, attending rodeos and where she graduated high school. After graduating high school, Penny moved to Manitoba to live with her aunt Heather and uncle Don in the Maples area. She then moved to Edmonton where she had her daughters and after a few years moved back to Manitoba to the big city of Inwood, later settling down in Komarno and then Gimli.

Penny loved living in Gimli and spent many days going for bike rides to town with her husband and grandson when he came for a visit. She also loved to spend time gardening, hanging around outside, swimming with Ashton all summer in the pool or coming up with any excuse to go to town for ice cream.

Penny worked a variety of jobs; working at Charison’s Turkey Hatchery and the Lakeview Hotel. She made many lifelong friends along the way that later in life turned into the “coffee gals club.”

A celebration of life will be held on July 19, 2025 at the Shorepointe Village banquet room in Gimli MB from 1-5 pm. Honorary Pallbearers – sons-in-law, Chris Kosinski, Lielin Chester, nephew Brett Thompson, and brother Raymond Chennells.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.

Our family would like to thank all of the staff at the Gimli Hospital for their exceptional care and love shown to Penny during her ten-years as a patient. We genuinely saw that love and support for Penny during her final stay at the hospital. 


Comments

So sorry to hear of your loss Vern. I also worked with them both at Charison's and thought very highly of them both. Camped at Lake St. George with them and I'll always remember Penny taking a strip off me, with a grin on her face, for giving Vern a great big drinking mug. Take care old friend!


Ron Muir

Our Sympathy


Richard & Jeanette Zedril

Vern and family, So sorry to hear of Penny’s passing. We were thinking of her and how she had just very calmly told us about her cancer—but she was fine. She did not let it define her. She carried on. We know you will miss her terribly. All our love, Gord and Maureen Loewen


Gord Loewen

My Deepest Sympathy to Vern and Family. You will be in my thoughts and Prayers. I met Penny at Charisons Hatchery. She always had a nice smile and was very friendly. Always cherish the memories.


Lil Dodd

Penny was such a fighter! I will miss our little chit chats we would have at the mailboxes in shorepointe village! Always in everyone’s heart! Sending our condolences to Vern and the entire family! She is with you forever!


Rick and Valerie Sherred

We feel honored to have known Penny over the years. She always had the biggest smile on her face no matter what life threw at her or her family. She often said to us that there was always someone else in the world worst off. Those are words from her we will never forget. Rest in Peace our friend. Sending all our love to you Vern and family. Take care.


Ted and Lynn Hoplock

To know Penny was to love Penny. She was one of the strongest people I knew. Never complained she was always "fine". I will miss our visits and chats about life and all its obstacles. Hugs to all her "kids" she loved you all so much. God speed my friend.


Bill and Lori Mott

I had the privilege of looking after Penny. She was a wonderful lady and I will miss her smiling face. My condolences to all of her family.


Donna Wishnowski

So glad we had the chance to come to Canada and meet you both. ❤️ She was such a sweet lady and had a heart of gold. Meek mild, but strong and firm at the same time…. We know she will live on in your heart forever Vern and we pray 🙏🏼 that God eases your pain, as time goes on, with all the beautiful memories you’ve made in your lifetime together.😘 Love you Cuz.


Pamela & Tommy Wright

Sorry to hear of Penny's passing. We fondly remember when we were neighbours with Penny and the girls at "Happy Harperville". Our condolences to all . Valerie and Gordon Watt.


Valerie and Gordon Watt

I first met Penny back in 1988 when I moved to Edmonton. Little did I know that this friendship would last over 35 years and travel to Manitoba! I was both surprised and thrilled when I found out she also moved to Manitoba shortly after I did! Then the world got a little smaller when she told me she married my old friend Vern! 🧡 Be at peace Penny. Sending hugs to Vern, Paulina, Shannon and Ashton.


Barbie

All the camping trips to Lake St. George and talking about the horses with Penny are favorite memories. Pancakes for breakfast were fun to make with her guidance. In the past 12 years or so we grew a lot closer, there was never a quiet moment when we started chatting, lots of laughs and jokes. She always had something special for the kids, especially the last visit when she made them banana bread. They finished it the next morning. I'll never forget her strength, she always said "I'm fine" no matter what was going on. So thankful we got to spend as much time as we did with Grandma Penny. Rest in peace sweet lady. ❤️🙏 Always thinking about dad.. *hugs*


Jodi

I’m so lucky to have had Penny, my mother in-law, in my life. Penny and Vern made me feel like part of the family right from the moment I met them and I always looked forward to visiting; both in Komarno and Gimli. One of my favourite memories of Penny, was the day I asked Shannon to marry me. I had already asked Penny and Vern for permission and when I finally did propose, Shannon came running home to tell her mom.. Penny had this big grin on her face, pretending to be surprised although she already knew. Penny battled cancer for almost a decade; she was one of the strongest people I have ever met and I learned a lot from her. May you rest in peace. Love you, Lielin


Lielin

My sincerest condolences to Paulina, Shannon and Vern. I had the privilege of working with Penny at the hatchery for 14 years. Through those years we became good friends at work and outside. Through those years we planned many fishing trips at lake St.George. The good times we had and the laughs we shared were forever talked about and I will always cherish those memories. I also shared the love of horses like Penny did. When she came to visit she’d insist on going out to see the horses and one in particular I named him Whiskey while she called him “Gus”. I know she fought a tough battle and gave it her all!! Penny you were one tough cookie! Rest in peace!


Shannon M

We had the pleasure of knowing Penny through work. I worked with Penny for many years at Charisons. We always had our morning coffee together lots of laughs and conversations We are very sorry for your loss . She was a wonderful person


Lisa and Bruce Twerdochlib

I will never forget in 2018, flying out to Manitoba and driving up to Komarno to meet the parents of my son’ girlfriend (at that time), in February (freezing), a total stranger to the family, and how warmly I was welcomed by Penny and Vern. I felt so welcomed, and we had a wonderful evening together. I had no doubt in my mind that my son had found someone from a strong, warm, and loving family. I know that Penny had a long battle with cancer, and I admire her strength, and remember how strong and giving she was at the wedding. My condolences to the entire family, and my heart goes out to all of you. With kindness, Colin.


Colin Chester

Praying for you & your's Vern. I know she'll be in your heart forever. Wish I could have met her. Sending lots of prayers & hugs.


Carolyn Altizer

Dear Vern and family A truly beautiful soul. We were blessed to have met her and enjoyed our talks. Heaven has received an wonderful Angel Hugs Fr. Ben , Gladys and family,🙏❤️


Gladys Graboweski

I feel honoured to have met Penny, the mother of my daughter in law Shannon. I am just sorry that there was only one occasion. She was definitely the epitome of strength and courage and from what I know of Shannon, she must have been a great mom to have raised such a wonderful young lady. My sincere condolences to the family, may she rest in peace ❤️


Liette

You were the rock of my life. I'll miss all the laughs we shared and the time we spent together. I'll love you for the rest of my life.💗❤️🙏✝️


Vern Walkin

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