January 23, 1924 - December 18, 2018
Cully Rose (nee Ponak) Penzer passed away peacefully at Abbotsford, BC. on December 18, 2018. Born January 23, 1924 at Vancouver, BC., she worked closely with her husband Lyal Alfred Penzer to build Langley Bus Lines in Langley, B.C. Generous and friendly, Cully hosted amazing dinner parties, and enjoyed her knitting, bridge, and keep-fit. More than anything, she prized her family.
Cully moved from Vancouver to Langley in 1939, and met Lyal at Langley High School. Married on July 6, 1945, Cully and Lyal made their home in Langley. Between 1946 and 1988, they built the seven homes they lived in, and operated Langley Bus Lines. Mom left Langley in late 2012, and moved to Abbotsford to be closer to family.
Cully is survived by her four children: Lloyd (Neecy) Penzer of Abbotsford, B.C., Mike (Elaine) Penzer of Piedmont, California, Deb (David) Bacharach of Victoria, B.C., and Lisa (Stewart) Kemle of Abbotsford, B.C. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Troy (Katie) Penzer, Tara (Scott) Salter, Daniel (Stacey) Bacharach, Maggie Bacharach (Matt Orlove), and Lindsay Alsop, as well as four great grandchildren.
Cully was predeceased by Lyal in 2003, following a loving marriage of almost 58 years, and by her granddaughter Zoey Penzer Alsop in 1996. She was also predeceased by her father George Ponak (aka Durad Potkonjak) in 1935 and her mother Draga (Banich) (Ponak) Lavernich in 1971, as well as her stepfather, Milanko Lavernich, in 1966. Cully was the ninth of 10 children, and was predeceased by all nine of her siblings. Cully was also predeceased by her father-in-law, John "Alf" Alfred Penzer, in 1961. Alf was Mayor of the City of Langley from 1959 to 1961, and Penzer Park in Langley is named after him.
The family sincerely thanks the amazing staff at Mayfair in Abbotsford for their loving care of our Mom. In particular, we want to recognize Marilyn, Charlotte, Ruby, Grace, Gloria, and Sandi. Also, Cully's dear friend Louise provided much needed emotional support, love, and companionship during the years after Lyal passed away. Finally, we thank our sister Lisa for her careful management of Mom's financial and healthcare affairs. There will be no funeral at Cully's request. Cully's remains will be laid to rest in Murrayville Cemetery, Langley Township, B.C., next to those of her husband Lyal and other members of Lyal's extended Penzer and Naylor family.