Penny Jane Thompson Burmaster

BURMASTER, Penny Jane – Penny went home to Glory on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the Sault Area Hospital at the age of 64. She left us peacefully and we are going to dearly miss her. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Cherished wife of Ted for 43 years. Much loved mother of Ben (Tanya) and Mark (Nichola). Proud Grandma of Samuel, Addison, Violet, Robin, Ruby and Richard. Daughter of the late Cecil and Lorna Thompson. Dear sister of the late Linda Sloss (late Fred), Rae Cressman (Don), Beth Tulloch (Bob) and Anne Avery (Keith). Sister-in-law of Sharon Starratt (Paul), Gerry Burmaster (Grace), Rob Burmaster (Debbie) and Steve Burmaster (Tracy). Special aunt of 16 nieces and nephews and great aunt of 26. She was a friend to all and dearly loved you with all of her heart. Thank you for your love and prayers. For 30 years Penny owned Penny’s Pets. Special thanks to the SAH Emergency and ICU Doctors and Nurses. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 5 – 8 pm. Funeral service to be held at Elim Pentecostal Church on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 11 am. Pastor Benny Kjiersdam officiating. Interment Prince Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Elim Pentecostal Church Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.

Tribute to Penny

Introduction – For those who may not know me , my name is Rob Burmaster and I had the privilege and honor to be Penny's brother in law for more than four decades.

My earliest memories of Penny were of a cute young lady who started to show up at the house driving a little Renault car with large flowers pasted on it , appropriately called Flower Power.

It quickly became quite evident that Ted was totally head over heals with this young lady but I certainly got the impression she wasn’t quite sure about him. Needless to say Ted continued diligently to try to win her over. At times it appeared he would not succeed but he stuck to his guns and after 43 years of marriage the rest was history.

As the years went on Penny became a wife/ best friend of Ted, Mother of two remarkable young men , friend and confident to many, a successful business woman and grandmother to six delightful grandchildren. She never required recognition for what she did but worked quietly, often unseen in the background where she impacted multiple lives.

During the summer of 1978 the families of Gerry, Ted and myself built three homes out on town line where Debbie and I were next door neighbors to Ted and Penny for the next 29 years. There was a well worn path between the two houses with lots of memories of joint birthday celebrations and family gatherings. You never left Penny's table hungry as she was an excellent cook and hostess.

Penny had a significant influence on our children as they were growing up. She actually babysat for a year for us when Debbie went back to work after a maternity leave. She employed both of our boys at Penny's Pets during their high School years . Debbie and I often comment on the impact she had on our son Andrew. When he started to work for Penny he was a shy, slightly withdrawn young man who was lacking confidence and hard to understand when he talked to others. By the time he left there he was a confident, slightly cocky young man who had no problem articulating his thoughts to others. Our boys often thought that they were held to a higher standard than other students and for that his parents are extremely grateful.

Last but not least I would be remiss if I did not talk about my personal relationship with Penny. Anyone who knows the family is aware that I quickly learned how to push Penny's buttons and occasionally did so at Ted's expense. There is a saying that some people only bug those they love and that is certainly the case here.

I recall early one Sunday morning Andrew looked out our bathroom window to see the bush between our two houses on fire. Apparently a certain individual had dumped the ashes from Ben's Pig Roast / Stag in the bush and then headed into town. I recall running into their house to tell Penny to call the fire department. Well I am sure Penny thought I was pulling a prank so out of the house she came to check before she would make that call.

In closing I am speaking on behalf of the complete Burmaster family. We were truly blessed to have Penny as part of our family, she made us better just by being a part of our family and she will be greatly missed.

During the past week I have had a picture in my mind of Cecil looking down from Heaven. As Penny arrived up at the Pearly gates, he met her and said “ Welcome but What the Heck are you doing up here so soon “

Thankyou

Penny Burmaster

Good morning. I think that it’s safe to assume that all of you here this morning know Penny

from some aspect of her life. However, perhaps you aren’t familiar with her life story, so the

family has asked me to give a little history of her life for you.

Our story actually starts in 1946, with a young man named Cecil just returned from WW2 and a

young lady named Lorna from Bruce Mines who were working together at Cochrane

Hardware. They were married in October 1946, started a family in the Soo and the next year had a

daughter Linda.

Cecil got a job with the ACR and they moved the family up to Hawk Junction where Rae and

then Penny was born Oct 2 1951. So Penny was part of that very select group of people who had

“Hawk Junction” on her birth certificate.

The family eventually moved back to Soo and then to a new house Cecil built out in the West

end on Nixon Rd. Two more sisters, Beth and Anne arrived to complete the quintet. This is

where Penny spent the majority of her growing up years.

She attended Broadview Public School, was actively involved in First Baptist Church where her family

attended, and went on to attend Collegiate High School.

During this time there were two significant events that helped shape the course of her life:

1. Penny made a decision to make Jesus Christ her personal Lord and Saviour

2. Through a mutual friend Penny was introduced to a young man named Ted who we’ll hear

more about later

Following her graduation from High School. in 1970, Penny followed her two sisters to Toronto where she

attended Toronto Institute of Medical Technology to train as a Lab Technician. When she

graduated in 1972 she returned to the Soo where she took up a position in the lab of the

General Hospital and also renewed her relationship with the aforementioned Ted.

That relationship blossomed and the two were married on Apr 14 1973 and set up housekeeping

on Moluch St. Her medical career was cut short by the arrival of son Ben on May 1 1974 and

then Mark on Feb 4 1976.

In 1979 the family made the move to the country when they built their house out on Town Line

where they have lived since.

This phase of Penny’s life you could say was centred on Family:

- Her own immediate family

- Her extended family

- Her Church family here at Elim

In 1986 Penny & Ted made a bold move and decided to open a business and “Penny’s Pets”

was born. Penny became a business woman.

Their store went through several iterations from the beginning at K-Mart Plaza, Market Mall,

Station Mall and finally the Northern Ave. location which they closed and retired from this year

after 30 years in business.

The past 10 years since Ted retired from the steel plant gave them the opportunity to do some

travelling, enjoy their camps and doing what Penny perhaps enjoyed the most of all - visiting

her grandchildren.

Celebration of Life for

Penny Jane Burmaster

Tribute

My name is Jayne Hudson. I have traveled from Cornwallis, Nova Scotia to celebrate Penny's life.

I have been asked to share with you today my personal relationship with Penny and what she meant to me. I told Ted that God would give me the strength to give her this final gift.

Penny warmly introduced herslf to me here at Elim fifteen years ago, when I was 22. Immediately, we connected. She became my spiritual mom and best friend. She opened up her heart and home to me and many others.

This one time we went out on the boat. Ted and Penny both jumped in; I'm not a swimmer, so I eased myself into the water to join them. We had fun! Then as i climbed back into the boat, Penny shared a grin with Ted. I asked what the grin was all about. Penny said we just saw your bare bum through your bathing suit. It had rotted out, I was embarassed to say the least.

Penny mentored and led me on my journey to having that special relationship with God. She helped me through the most difficult times in my adult life, even lending me her car for five months. A pastor once told me thta God gave us two ears and only one tongue for a reason. Penny made the time to listen and she did this frequently. She had used her ears for me so much that I often wondered if I was the cause for her being deaf in one ear.

Penny had a compassionate, understanding servant's heart. She was honest and gave 100% to our friendship. She was there for me through my divorce, bankruptcy, marriage, babies and the list goes on. She would often say, “I really don't know what to say as I have never gone through what you are experiencing, so lets just ask God to help us through this together, shall we?” Sometimes when I cried she would sing to me.

Penny was a mother to me when I needed her to be, and a friend when I didn't want her to be bossy in telling what to do. We were open and respected one another.

Just as it states in Hebrews 13:5,

Be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

Penny was content with what she had. It was often difficult to get her to go shopping. I had to tell her that I had saved my money to go and that our mall is about an hours drive away. We enjoyed one another's company as we chatted while trying clothes on. Even though she'd go home with less bags than I, it was a good day!

Penny's sudden death has been difficult as I did not get to say good bye. Each one of here today will grieve in our unique way.

John 16:30 states,

I tell the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

God was gracious in giving me this beautiful friend and I know that I will grieve; there will be days of sunshine and days of storms.

I love you lots Penny and I know that you are proud of me as I am you. It has been a great honour to have known you. Your legacy will live on.

Lovingly,

~your adopted daughter

Jayne

Tributes to Penny Burmaster taken from www.sootoday.com

MaryAnn Barber

Ted, Ben, Mark, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Penny. Sending you all love, strength and prayers. Thinking of you all, Mary Ann Barber

Bill Denton

Penny was a very kind and sweet lady, and truly treated me as her own. She was a great example for her kids and grands. The only way her passing makes sense to me is that God wanted her in Heaven sooner. It was her life's goal to make it to Heaven to see her Maker. She succeeded in this conquest. We are sad she has been taken from us too early, however, we are elated that she is with Jesus! Ted, Ben, and Mark, please know that my family will be praying for your families. I wish we could have been there to cry and comfort you, but distance once again keeps us apart. We pray that you will draw closer to God during this difficult time, that God would heal your broken hearts, and that the Holy Spirit would provide comfort above the level that is needed. She will never be forgotten, and we will see her at some point in the future.

Chantelle Richardson

We are so sorry for your loss Ted and family. Let there be comfort in your memories and healing in knowing God's plan is greater then our ability to understand. Much love and compassion. Tim and Chantelle Richardson.

Bill and Brenda Ansley

We are so saddened by your lossTed and family. May you find continued comfort in your precious memories. Penny will be missed each and every day... she has touched many lives in a special way. Luv Bill and Brenda Ansley

Lisa Gasparotto

I'm so sorry for your loss she was a beautiful lady my deepest condolences to to hole family my thoughts and prayers are with you

Terri Maclean

So sorry for your loss..she was a good friend and will be sadly missed..our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time...Terri MacLean..Marilyn MacLean...Zazu and Lulu

Melanie Alton Simpson

So sad to hear about the loss of a wonderful woman - an example to me throughout my life. So calm, so warm and friendly, so constant a presence in our childhood... Ben and Mark, I have thought of your mom often now that I am also a mother of boys. Her legacy will live on through your lives. What a wonderful journey she walked with you. My sincerest condolences and prayers for strength. Melanie

* * * * * * * * * *

BURMASTER, Penny Jane – Penny went home to Glory on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the Sault Area Hospital at the age of 64. She left us peacefully and we are going to dearly miss her. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Cherished wife of Ted for 43 years. Much loved mother of Ben (Tanya) and Mark (Nichola). Proud Grandma of Samuel, Addison, Violet, Robin, Ruby and Richard. Daughter of the late Cecil and Lorna Thompson. Dear sister of the late Linda Sloss (late Fred), Rae Cressman (Don), Beth Tulloch (Bob) and Anne Avery (Keith). Sister-in-law of Sharon Starratt (Paul), Gerry Burmaster (Grace), Rob Burmaster (Debbie) and Steve Burmaster (Tracy). Special aunt of 16 nieces and nephews and great aunt of 26. She was a friend to all and dearly loved you with all of her heart. Thank you for your love and prayers. For 30 years Penny owned Penny’s Pets. Special thanks to the SAH Emergency and ICU Doctors and Nurses. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 5 – 8 pm. Funeral service to be held at Elim Pentecostal Church on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 11 am. Pastor Benny Kjiersdam officiating. Interment Prince Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Elim Pentecostal Church Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.

Celebration of Life for

Penny Jane Burmaster

Tribute

My name is Jayne Hudson. I have traveled from Cornwallis, Nova Scotia to celebrate Penny's life.

I have been asked to share with you today my personal relationship with Penny and what she meant to me. I told Ted that God would give me the strength to give her this final gift.

Penny warmly introduced herslf to me here at Elim fifteen years ago, when I was 22. Immediately, we connected. She became my spiritual mom and best friend. She opened up her heart and home to me and many others.

This one time we went out on the boat. Ted and Penny both jumped in; I'm not a swimmer, so I eased myself into the water to join them. We had fun! Then as i climbed back into the boat, Penny shared a grin with Ted. I asked what the grin was all about. Penny said we just saw your bare bum through your bathing suit. It had rotted out, I was embarassed to say the least.

Penny mentored and led me on my journey to having that special relationship with God. She helped me through the most difficult times in my adult life, even lending me her car for five months. A pastor once told me thta God gave us two ears and only one tongue for a reason. Penny made the time to listen and she did this frequently. She had used her ears for me so much that I often wondered if I was the cause for her being deaf in one ear.

Penny had a compassionate, understanding servant's heart. She was honest and gave 100% to our friendship. She was there for me through my divorce, bankruptcy, marriage, babies and the list goes on. She would often say, “I really don't know what to say as I have never gone through what you are experiencing, so lets just ask God to help us through this together, shall we?” Sometimes when I cried she would sing to me.

Penny was a mother to me when I needed her to be, and a friend when I didn't want her to be bossy in telling what to do. We were open and respected one another.

Just as it states in Hebrews 13:5,

Be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

Penny was content with what she had. It was often difficult to get her to go shopping. I had to tell her that I had saved my money to go and that our mall is about an hours drive away. We enjoyed one another's company as we chatted while trying clothes on. Even though she'd go home with less bags than I, it was a good day!

Penny's sudden death has been difficult as I did not get to say good bye. Each one of here today will grieve in our unique way.

John 16:30 states,

I tell the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

God was gracious in giving me this beautiful friend and I know that I will grieve; there will be days of sunshine and days of storms.

I love you lots Penny and I know that you are proud of me as I am you. It has been a great honour to have known you. Your legacy will live on.

Lovingly,

~your adopted daughter

Jayne