March 24, 1947 – January 14, 2025
Penny died peacefully at her home in Gibsons, BC. Born in Edmonton, Penny grew up in the Highlands, attending Eastglen High School and University of Alberta (BA, 1976). In her 20s, she moved to Toronto before settling in Vancouver where she lived at E. 17 Ave & Main for over two decades. Penny kept life-long friends, practised Tai Chi, owned a harpsicord, grew sunflowers, and threw feted Academy Awards parties. She had a potter’s wheel, producing many beautiful works which friends and family cherish to this day. Penny’s photo albums attest to a lifetime of travel adventures and how she dearly loved her cats, though she would say some were better than others. She was wry and quick to laugh and enjoyed life fully. Penny was a career librarian. Her last role took her to the Middle East, where she travelled extensively, acquired a rich rug collection, and safaried in a hot air balloon across the Serengeti. A life-long Trekkie, she left behind a TNG bathrobe, a SETI membership, and countless Sci-Fi books. In her final move, to Gibsons, she bought a house which she painted purple, planted a garden, and took up online bridge and wine making. She took daily walks and kept pocket treats for the neighbourhood dogs. Penny will be greatly missed by her brother Nick and his wife Lila; her nieces Eloise and Elizabeth; the Papoulias family; and friends far and wide. Though serious health issues plagued her later years, Penny always maintained a sense of humour. Her circle of friends, steadfastly supportive, threw a "survivor" party following a major medical setback, which she found delightful. Much gratitude to the Sunshine Coast community and especially Dr. Ron Mundy, Davida, Kim and dedicated friends who helped in her final years. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
