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June 1, 1941 - March 4, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Penelope Liebel (nee Harder) announce her passing. Pennie, as she was known by most, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023. She is remembered by her husband Brien Liebel; her children Ralph Liebel, Caroline Thom, and Alison Liebel; her granddaughter Lovena Morton; and her sisters Jocelyn Harder and Nancy Troger.
Pennie met her life-long partner, Brien, in Lake Cowichan where her family had moved after relocating from Flin Flon, Manitoba. She received her teaching certificate and taught grade 4 in Ladysmith before marrying Brien. The family then moved from the town of Lake Cowichan to the bare-bones logging camp at Little Bear Bay, north of Campbell River where she spent the early years raising her family, teaching in the one-room school house, and turning a humble trailer into a creative, colourful home. The family then moved to Campbell River in the mid 1960's where Pennie began a life of championing the arts and supporting the community.
Throughout her life, Pennie had an unwavering love of art and theatre and was drawn to the spectrum of emotion in the visual arts and the vibrancy of drama, and was a talented artist herself. She studied art with Sybil Andrews, and took art classes through Emily Carr. During the 90's, she was part of the small group of dedicated individuals who transitioned the Van Isle movie theatre into a live performance venue, what we now call the Tidemark Theatre. She was heavily involved in what is now the Rivercity Players as a director, set designer, prop maker, poster designer, actor as well as serving as treasurer on its board for many years. She was also invited and served on the Board for the Provincial theatre body, Theatre BC.
In addition to her involvement in local arts, Pennie believed strongly in building community and served on the Board of Family Services for over two decades. She also volunteered and supported United Way for many years, served on the board of North Island College from 1992 to 1998, and received recognition for outstanding achievement for Volunteer Community Service from the City of Campbell River in 1995.
Pennie had a way of looking at life with an artistic, analytical, and curious mind. She will be remembered for her quick wit, community dedication, her beautiful theatrical props and her passion for the pursuit of knowledge. She will be deeply missed by her family. A tribute to Pennie will be held in April (date to be confirmed).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions can be made to any one of the arts-based organizations in Campbell River such as Rivercity Players, Tidemark Theatre Society, Campbell River Arts Council, the Museum at Campbell River or the Art Gallery.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life for Pennie in the Lodge room at Dolphin's Resort on Saturday, April 1 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 1, 2023
1:00 PM
Dolphin's Resort in Campbell River