PENNIE LEA OLSON
PENNIE LEA OLSON
September 16, 1960 - October 15, 2026
Pennie Lea Olson passed away peacefully at Johnson Memorial Hospital, Gimli, Manitoba, October 15, 2026. Pennie is survived by husband Brett Eckstein, son Keenan Eckstein, sister Patty Olson and nieces Marlee and Heather Duguid. Pennie was predeceased by her parents, Roland and Helen Olson.
Born in Winnipeg, Pennie spent her childhood on Oakview Avenue in East Kildonan attending neighbourhood schools and Red River College after graduation. Pennie built an advertising sales career then met her future husband Brett through a “chance encounter” orchestrated by one of her Corydon Avenue clients. Her life changed with the birth of Keenan. As a mother, Pennie had the best of both worlds raising a child while working from the family’s home on Montrose Street in River Heights.
Pennie enjoyed her summers spent at family cottages in Winnipeg Beach and Sandy Hook so much she initiated moving her family permanently to the RM of Gimli, where she embarked on a new career purchasing, renovating and managing several rental properties. She would often join Brett on business trips and vacations to destinations across Canada and the US, but for Pennie there was “no place like home”. Surrounded by an abundance of nature and wildlife, Pennie enjoyed the beauty and serenity of rural life.
In accordance with Pennie’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. Those wishing to honour her memory are invited to donate to an animal rescue shelter of their choice.
NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200