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Penelope Joan "Penny" Hecker

September 8, 2019

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July 14, 1944 - September 8, 2019
With the grace and acceptance with which she lived her life, Penny's struggle with heart failure ended on September 8, 2019 surrounded by her cherished family and friends. Her 17 year health battle was a lesson in resilience and how to get the most out of everyday. We feel like her heart was fuelled by love and the joy of living and that is what showed to everyone she came into contact with. Truly, Penny was love, kindness, joy and resilience in human form, and we will miss her.
Penelope Joan (Penny) was born to Joan and Hilding Ekblad in Edmonton Alberta. Her early years were spent in Giscome, BC where her father was the Sawmill Manager and her mother the local Nurse. An exceptional student and a lifelong learner, she started her Post Secondary studies in Nursing and decided on a career as an Educator. While on her teaching practicum in Prince George, her future husband, Ken, had the good fortune to meet her! They had some wild times in Prince George and moved on to Vancouver where she taught for a time in North Vancouver. Penny and Ken started a family and, upon moving to Salmon Arm, Penny worked at Salmon Arm Senior Secondary, spreading her warmth and supportive nature to students. Her nursing background allowed her to finish her working life as medical stenographer for a local clinic.
Never one to sit still and always one to reach out to others, Penny's days were filled with volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society, Literacy Programs, and the Salmon Arm Tennis Club. In later years, she enjoyed many games of golf with her friends.
Penny was loved and cherished by her longtime friends. They viewed her as a special woman who was giving to everyone in every way. She may even be a founding member of a long standing Cookie Trade Mafia! Penny was known to draw people in for a big hug, create comforting food for folks who stopped in and shared laughter and humour with all. She was a lover of books, lively conversation, fine food and wine. Simply put, Penny had a zest for life that drew people to her.
Nothing was more treasured and important to her than her grandkids, Silas, Taylor, Kaden and Noah. Penny was a proud nana who delighted in sharing all her love. Her grandkids know this world is a better place as a result of their Nana's legacy: enormous kindness, a listening ear and appreciating the little daily joys of life.
Penny is celebrated and forever missed by her husband, Ken, her daughter Shannon (Joseph) her son Kent (Tracy) and her beloved grandkids: Taylor, Silas, Kaden and Noah. Thank you to Dr. Weiker, Dr. Mckinnon and hospital staff for the genuine, heartfelt care over the years.
Please join us in a celebration of Penny on Saturday October 12th at 1pm @ The United Church in Salmon Arm. We thought it fitting to express our gratitude to this mom, nana, friend and community force on Thanksgiving.
Online condolences may be forwarded to family through Penny's obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
 Bowers Funeral Service & Crematorium

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, October 12, 2019
1:00 PM
The United Church ,450 Okanagan Ave SE, Salmon Arm.


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