May 22, 1983 – March 6, 2025
We are heart-broken to announce the death of our extraordinary Crystal Ann Penner PhD, M.Sc., B.Ed., B.Sc. Crystal was born May 22, 1983 in Sechelt and died of ovarian cancer March 6, 2025 in Roberts Creek.
Crystal leaves behind her adoring family, parents Hans and Charlene Penner, brothers Steven (Lauren) and Brendan (Ashley) sister Lesley (Stéphane) nieces and nephews Mia, Ethan, James, Lily, Emily and Hugo. She also leaves many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and her precious, loyal, friends from everywhere.
Crystal was accomplished, talented, compassionate and kind. She was an environmentalist, a humanitarian and an academic. She was a musician, a rock climber, a cold-water swimmer and she had a delightful sense of humour and wit. She loved board games and puzzles of every kind and she read every book she could get her hands on. She had a particular passion for horses starting at a young age. She took riding lessons, had her own horse, worked on a ranch and couldn’t stop herself from petting any horse she came across. She was interested in politics, her union, labour justice, ending the genocide in Palestine and bringing peace in the world. She was amazed with the universe and all the new discoveries. Crystal had strong principles which she lived by: always be kind, never cause harm to a child or animal, help others if you can and yoga pants aren’t pants -don’t wear them to work unless you’re a yoga instructor.
Crystal started her life in Roberts Creek, insisting on taking violin lessons at two and a half years of age and music of every kind delighted her. She took violin lessons until she switched to piano, then taught herself guitar. Crystal had a particular gift for learning lyrics including the song listing all the elements in the periodic table.
She excelled throughout school and at graduation, upon receiving a full scholarship to the University College of the Cariboo, said she was going to UBC. Just before university started, she made her first solo trip to Cuba and was hooked on travel. We saw the world through her as she visited Europe, South America, Africa and Asia.
Crystal went on to get her Bachelor of Science in 2007 and her Bachelor of Education in 2009. After working in the Sunshine Coast School District for a few years she took time off, moved to Galway Ireland and received her master’s degree in medical physics. When Crystal was offered an opportunity to do her PhD through UBC and TRIUMF she said yes and started her research. Her enthusiasm for science and education was a driving force in her life.
In 2023 Crystal was diagnosed with aggressive ovarian cancer. She started treatment but continued work on her project. She also went back to work at the Alternative School where she had found her true calling as a teacher. Sadly, Crystal’s cancer returned in 2024. Between hospital stays, she managed to defend her thesis and was granted her PHD (Organic Fibre-Based Arrays for Proton Radiotherapy Applications) in August 2024.
Crystal wasn’t well enough to work during 2025 but she dedicated the time she had left to her family and friends. Crystal’s dream was to create a podcast about women’s health and the lack of research being done on women’s reproductive cancers, which are rising.
Crystal lived a challenging but fulfilling and exciting life in a short time, she regretted that she wouldn’t see her nieces and nephews grow up, her friends accomplish their goals and her family grow old.
We loved her so much and miss her every day.
A celebration of her life will be held May 3rd in Gibsons.
