Obituary of Penny Lynn Hawken

Penny Lynn (Kozlinski) Hawken was the first child of Eva (Johnson) and Johnnie Kozlinski born on April 18, 1948, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.  The family lived in the Marwayne area until Penny was about 8 years old, when Johnnie, Eva, Penny, and little brother, Kent, settled close to the Cadogan area to farm. 

Plenty of music from guitars, fiddles, and singing with aunts, uncles, and cousins always filled the house.  Penny’s first love was a second hand piano and when she wasn’t doing her own schoolwork, helping her mom with cooking, garden work, or caring for little sister, Dana, Penny was picking out tunes and chords on the piano.  In no time she was playing for weddings, anniversaries, and community dances.

Weeks before her high school graduation, another little sister, Julie, was born.  Penny said goodbye to a very close family to attend university in Edmonton.  Although she was extremely lonely and missed everyone terribly, she earned her teaching certificate and returned to Provost to teach elementary school.  By this time, she had found her second true love, and married Don Hawken from Provost on July 16, 1969.

Penny taught school and Don farmed with his Dad until their first baby, Bradley, was born.  They moved into a little house out on the farm, and the next year their second son, Daryl, arrived.  Don and Penny managed farming and ranching, raising babies, and building a new house big enough for one more, a little girl, Pamela, to complete their family.  Penny would spend the next 50 years devoting her talents, time, and love to her family, farm, and community.

If you remember Penny, perhaps it is because she gave you a ride to a tournament in the station wagon, sewed your carnival costume, or taught you to read, sing a song, do a craft, dance, act in a play, or understand a Bible verse. Perhaps you remember her wonderful cooking and baking, and how welcome you felt at her kitchen table.  You may have been given some fresh vegetables from her garden, preserves, or enjoyed her beautiful flowers.  Maybe you shared the joy of making music, some stories of faith, or organized a festival, fundraiser or reunion.  You might have enjoyed a discussion about baseball, hockey, curling, or rodeo.  Perhaps you were lucky enough to hear her play old time tunes at a wedding dance or for the patrons at the Lodge or Nursing Home.  If you knew Penny, you definitely exchanged a laugh, or a funny story about her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins of whom she was so proud and loved so much.

Penny leaves behind her loving husband, Don, and their children Bradley (Barbara), Abby, Emma and Zachary Hawken; Daryl (Cathie), and Liam Hawken, Melodie Kelly, Kaylie Brittain and Kane; Pam (Mark), Bradyn, Darby, Brett and Kale Heckbert. She also leaves behind sisters, Dana (Leon), Derric (Montana) and Harper Laye, Kelsey (Ryan), Leo and Lucas Lowe, and Julie (Colin), and John Jamieson. 

Penny was predeceased by her brother, Kent Kozlinski and her parents, Eva and Johnnie.

The funeral service will take place Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Provost Recreation and Culture Centre with Pastor Paul McCormick officiating. A private family interment will take place at the Provost Cemetery. 

We invite you to gather with us to celebrate Penny’s life in a way that reflects the joy, warmth, and love she shared with all.

For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available through the GFH website at the time of the service.

If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Provost Health Foundation.

Gregory's Funeral Home Inc.

www.gregorysfuneralhomes.com