PENELOPE “PENNY” MAXINE HOLST (H

PENELOPE “PENNY” MAXINE HOLST (HARRISON) September 27, 1947 – September 21, 2026
Penelope “Penny” Maxine Holst, a devoted mother, doting grandmother, beloved educator, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, learning, and unconditional love for family and friends. Born on September 27, 1947, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Hugh and Bertha Harrison, Penny grew up in a bustling, lively household as the oldest of four children. She attended Medicine Hat High School, where she was active in many clubs along with being an athlete. Penny discovered her true calling in education, studying at Medicine Hat College and then University of Calgary, where she earned her teaching certificate in 1968. In 1969, she took a courageous leap and moved to Hays, Alberta, to teach grades 1 through 7. It was a move that changed her life forever. Not only did she dedicate nine years to the school, but she also caught the eye of a local farmer, Kurt Holst. The story goes that Kurt went to “check out” the new teacher in town; the two hit it off instantly and were married on August 16, 1971. After a few years of living at the teacherage in town, their daughter Laura Helen arrived on September 20, 1973. Kurt and Penny then bought the family farm from his parents, Peter and Rosa Holst, and the family moved to parcel 53 in 1974. A few years later, their son, Jason Kurt, joined the family on April 1, 1978. With the family growing, Penny transitioned to substitute teaching for the Horizon School District in 1978, balancing her time between the classroom, raising her children, and helping run the family farm. In 1989, she embraced a new opportunity as the full-time teacher at the newly opened Enchant Colony. Kurt passed away suddenly in 1996, it was a heartbreaking time for the family. True to her resilient nature, Penny stayed on the farm and continued to work at the colony until 2005, when she moved back home to Medicine Hat where she was closer to her parents and siblings. For Penny, teaching wasn’t just a career it was the very fabric of who she was. She quickly jumped back into the classroom and worked as substitute teacher for the Catholic Board of Education, eventually moving to St. Patrick’s School primarily. Even after her formal retirement, Penny could never truly step away from helping children, continuing to actively tutor students for many years. Penny loved spending time with her parents Hugh and Bertha, along with her brothers, Gary and his wife, Jean; Sid and his wife, Maggie and their family. There were many family functions, dinners, potlucks and sporting events to attend with all the nieces and nephews, which she cherished. Penny was very active and had many social circles. She served as a board member and secretary at the Village at Saamis Point where she lived from 2005 to 2024, eventually moving to Meadowlands in the fall of 2024. She made friends everywhere she went. Penny loved her friends and family fiercely. She was a boundlessly supportive mother to children and eventually all her grandchildren. Her grandkids were her ultimate pride and joy. Penny brought joy, stories, and jokes wherever she went. Her impact spanned generations of students and a vast web of cherished friends. She lived life with an open heart, and she was profoundly loved in return. Penny is survived by her loving children, Laura Helen Bishop (Cassidy Bishop and their children, Owen, Hannah and Sean) of Texas; Jason Kurt Holst (Vicki Holst and their children, Wyatt and Madalyn) of Red Deer, Alberta; her brother, Wayne Harrison (Brenda) of Ottawa, Ontario: along with numerous nieces and nephews. There is an endless community of former colleagues, students, and friends who will miss Penny’s wit, laughter and feisty spirit. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB, with Pastor Shane Hein Officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Penny’s memorial page on the above dates and times. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Medicine Hat Catholic Schools Education Foundation at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/medicine-hat-catholic-schools-education-foundation/ or the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta at https://cfsea.ca/donate/. Condolences can be sent to condolences@saamis.com with the subject heading Penelope Holst. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to