Verna - Her early years
Verna was born in Steinbach, Manitoba to Bernhard and Lillie Penner. She has one sister, who is eleven years younger. Verna attended Greenland North School during her elementary school years. She graduated from Landmark High School in 1966.
Verna attended the University of Manitoba (U of M) in 1968-69, receiving her Manitoba Elementary School teaching certificate. She taught at Southwood Elementary School in Steinbach for two years. She returned to the U of M for another year of College. In 1972, she met Robert and they were married in May 1973. After they moved back to Manitoba in 1975, Verna returned to the U of M part-time and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977.