PENNY BRAATEN

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Penny Braaten on Saturday May 7, 2005 at age 87, beloved mother of Bob (Faith) and his children Robyn, Darla, Andrea, and Leif, and Pam (Randy) Ludwar and their children Andrew and Erica.  Penny is predeceased by her parents, Patrick “Jack” and May Gillen, and dear husband, Harry in 1995.  Penny was born in 1917 at Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, the daughter of two educators. She graduated from Columbia University, New York, in 1946 with a Bachelor of Music Education, and later pursued a Master’s degree in music education at the University of Southern California (1949-52).  She taught school in Long Beach California and in Los Angeles before moving to Moose Jaw where in 1952 she met and married Harry Braaten, then a principal at Prince Arthur School. Penny was a retired music educator having taught for the Moose Jaw Public Schools from 1945 until 1974.  Her love of music and teaching was a passion for her.  She devoted much time and energy to her career, helping to organize the first annual Rotary Carol Festival in 1946, local music festivals choirs and concerts.  She began her study of Carl Orff’s Schulwerk for Children in 1970, which exerted a profound influence upon her teaching.  She directed several city choirs and was the organist/choir leader at Central Lutheran Church, St.Andrew’s and Zion Churches.  Penny was an active member of Zion Church, as well as the P.E.O., Duplicate Bridge Club, R.M.T.A., and the Heart of the City Piano Program.  She continued to teach, perform, and compose right up until the time of her illness.  Penny left a legacy of love for her children and grandchildren, as well as her extended family and her host of friends. A Celebration of Penny’s life will be held at Zion United Church on Thursday May 12, 2005 at 1:30 pm.  Reverend Molly Kitchen will officiate. Memorialization will take place at a later time.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Penny Braaten Memorial Scholarship Fund, for the Moose Jaw Festival, c/o Carol McWilliams, 803 Monk Ave., Moose Jaw, S6H 4E1. In living memory of Penny, a tree will be planted in Wakamow Valley by W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home.   

Guest Book

Brent Waruk - Winnipeg, MB: Mrs. Braaten (I'll still call her that) taught me in King Edward elementary in Moose Jaw, and I'll never forget her letting the class listen to current "rock" songs of our choice on 45's for about 10 mins. in each of her music classes. It was great. There really was no teacher like her, and I'll never forget her.

Susan Dokken - Moose Jaw, SK: The Rose Beyond the Wall

Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by the morning dew,
Shedding it's sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice's length,
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view,
Were found the same as they were before,
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing it's fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
And make our courage faint and fall? 
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive--
The rose still grows beyond the wall,

Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.

~ A. L. Frink ~

The Carol Festival will never be the same without Penny up front, directing the singing of the Christmas Carols .....  God Bless

Robert  and Corliss Okerstrom - Moose Jaw, Sask.: Known Penny for a long time - Parents use to bring eggs to her when I was a kid.  Just talk to her a few days ago and it is hard to believe she isn't  going on to everything as she did with her active life.   Thoughts are with all of you at this time.  Corliss

Al and  Lori Weitzel - Saskatoon, SK: May you find comfort your memories and in knowing that others are thinking about you, our condolences to the Braaten Family.

Gladys Fonger - Moose Jaw, SK: Your contribution to our community will keep you in our Memories for a very long time. As a former neighbor on Alder Ave I admired you for your many interests.

Walter and Marion Mills -  Saskatoon, SK. : As a teacher, I was a friend and admirer of Penny's work. In 1951, I joined the staff of Prince Arthur School where I was appointed Vice Principal. Harry was the Principal. In 1952 both the Principal and the Vice Principal got married. (No, not to each other) Harry married Penny and Walter married Marion on the same day, in the same city and at the same time. Then surprise, surprise to both couples, they showed up at the same time to board the same bus for travel on their honeymoons. Marion and I left Moose Jaw in May 1954 to join the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and lost touch with Harry and Penny, but both Marion and I have fond memories of those carefree days. Penny was a dedicated worker in the arts and she will be missed.

June Vanin (nee Whiteman) - Moose Jaw, SK: Mrs. Braaten taught me at Westmount School.  She was a fine lady and had all of us students playing in the band and singing in the choir.  She has made an impact in my life and she will not soon be forgotten for all that she has done in this city of Moose Jaw in the Arts. 

Glenn and Heather Pedersen (McLaren) Nanaimo, BC: I was so sorry to hear about your mom. I know what a huge impact she had on so many young people, but also what an important person she was to her family. I know how much you will all miss her. With sincere sympathy, Heather

Elaine Gill   nee Leugner - Moose Jaw, SK: Mrs. Braaten was a great teacher and she felt like a friend of the students as well. She taught me in public school and she was one of the favorites. There should be more teachers around as devoted as she was. Very saddened to hear she is gone.

Robyn

Sign Guest Book

(Your condolence will not appear immediately)