A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

Ruthe Penner, was born and has lived her whole life here in the Kildonan’s. She is a wife, mother and grandmother.

After graduating from the University of Manitoba, Facility of Education in 1972, she followed her lifelong dream and became a teacher in the River East Transcona School Division.

Ruthe made a career change in 1987 and joined her husband Wayne Penner forming a successful and vibrant Real Estate partnership.

Throughout her career Ruthe has used her strong leadership abilities and sense of commitment to the Real Estate profession by volunteering countless hours in organized Real Estate. She has enjoyed being President of both The Winnipeg and Manitoba Realtor Associations. In 2010 Ruthe was awarded the CMHC Distinguished Realtor Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the industry and her community.

Always striving to make a difference Ruthe has been a passionate advocate for The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, working on behalf of woman and children caught in the cycle of domestic abuse and violence. The Foundation recognized her extraordinary contribution to this cause with the 2009 National Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Today, Ruthe still loves working with her husband in Real Estate. She continues to volunteer on the Manitoba Real Estate Association Board as chair of the Education Committee, the Political Action Committee and The MREA Shelter Foundation. She also serves on the board of the ICD Defibrillator Support Group.

Ruthe also continues to look for new opportunities and challenges where she can have a positive impact on those she comes in contact with.