Penny Sandra Stevenson (née Stephenson)
April 4, 2022
Peacefully, with her family by her side, Penny passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with ALS. Penny was the cherished wife of Mike Stevenson for 51 years, the loving mother of Luke (Allison) Stevenson, and the devoted Gramma to James Stevenson. She will be held dear in the hearts of many family members and friends, including her sisters Gerrie Evans, Jan (Rod) Nicholson, Dixie (Doug) Jones, Michelle (Willie) Cronheimer, and Leslie (Pat Burden) Stephenson. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Lloyd and Ada Stephenson, her sister Roxy, her brother-in-law Walt Czekierda, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Roy and Dorothy Stevenson and nephew Scott Stevenson.
Penny was born in London, Ontario on February 25th, 1950, but grew up in Port Stanley. She was one of those rare people who knew what she wanted to be at a young age, a teacher. After high school, she received her teaching certificate at Althouse College and began teaching at the age of 20. She continued her studies at Western over the years. She was a devoted teacher for 30 years and loved children. Penny was also an avid reader, always searching out knowledge.
Upon retirement, she travelled with family and friends to many destinations. She even went on canoe trips in Algonquin Park, and we always joked that we were the oldest people in the park. She loved spending time with family and friends, and her grandson James was the apple of her eye. Penny was a great organizer of events and frequently helped plan family Christmas parties with the Stephenson clan. She loved life, singing, dancing, shopping, and working out with her condo fitness group. Penny was a kind, loving and intelligent person who showed great strength in the face of the adversity that is ALS. She always looked on the bright side of life, and she will be missed immensely.
Cremation has already taken place. Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shoesmith and her team of professionals at University Hospital’s ALS clinic for the tremendous support given during these difficult months. Thanks also to Dr. James MacLean for being there at the end.
Those wishing to make a donation in the memory of Penny are asked to consider ALS Society of Canada or the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.
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I went through my high school years with Penny. She was a sweetheart, beautiful and talented. My sincere condolences to Mike and family.
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My heartfelt condolences to Mike and the entire family. Penny was the sunshine of our exercise class. She exuded kindness, positivity and 'fun'. Penny would take over the lead when it came to our 'line-dancing days' which was always the hi-lite of the session! One of her favorite childhood songs, ''Happy Trails to You'' that we both remembered from The Roy Rogers Show, way back when. "Happy trails to you, until we meet again, Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then, Happy trails to you, till we meet a g a i n." Until we meet again, Penny, dear friend, you will always be remembered with a smile.
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I am thinking of the family and wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. I still remember the good times we had at your Dad's home.
I am saddened at the loss of such a beautiful lady. Penny Stevenson taught my twin girls in JK and SK and then again in grade 4. In that class she had twin girls, twin boys and triplets and yet she had complete control of the class. I consider Mrs. Stevenson the best teacher my girls had or even I had. She was well loved by all her students. Rest In Peace.
I was genuinely heartbroken yesterday to discover the passing of Mrs. Penny Stevenson. She was my kindergarten teacher (Jr. & Sr.) and I was delighted to have her again as my grade 4 teacher at Oxford Park. I can confidently say she was such a kind, caring, and happy soul. Mrs. Stevenson went out of her way (!!) for her students, and was one of my absolute favourite teachers! I remember in grade 4 she let April and I dress up in dramatic long dresses when we performed Green Sleeves for our medieval presentation. I always enjoyed how she made so many of our class projects hands on and interactive like that. This photo is of Mrs. Stevenson and my sister Casey at her end of the year luau when she was in grade 6. Even though Mrs. Stevenson was no longer her teacher, she was still invited and attended just to see her former students. That’s the kind of woman and educator she was. Always going above and beyond. I wasn't able to locate the exact photo I was looking for of her and I. Though, I think she would be so happy to know of the hours of joy she brought Lisa & I (my twin) in our pursuit of trying to find that photo. May Mrs. Penny Stevenson Rest in Peace!
Penny and her family lived across the street from my aunt and uncle- Toots and Murray Taylor , in Port Stanley . As a child, I remember many fun summer holidays/weekends spent there playing with the Penny and her family. Many years later we met again when my Mother passed and then Uncle Murray. A very sweet and caring lady. Our deepest condolences on your loss. Jim and Gabi Burnard
Mike, Luke & Family, We are very sorry to hear of your loss of Penny. She was my teaching partner at Sherwood Fox & we continued our friendship after retirement with book club, coffee get togethers & dinners with friends. Her beautiful smile & positive caring ways will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Brenda & Bill
It was with great sadness when hearing of Penny’s passing. I met Penny in the very early years of our teaching careers at Aberdeen School. . She was always a steady smile to hang on to when challenges occurred. There were many. Looking back over my career, one pauses and remembers. Penny always comes to mind. Bright eyes, equaled by her broad smile. Kindness personified. My condolences to Mike, Luke and family. She lives on. Always smiling.
We were so sorry to hear that Penny had passed away. We extend our condolences to Mike, Luke and the Stevenson family.
We feel blessed to have been a part of Penny's life. Her infectious smile will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
Penny was a wonderful friend! We had many good times together teaching, book club and birthdays. She was such a positive person. Our thoughts and prayers go to Mike and his family. Rest In Peace, Penny.
Thinking of Penny & Family with Sympathy.
Sending our deepest condolences to Mike, Lukey and the entire family on such a profound loss. May your memories provide joy, laughter and happiness during the difficult times. The Rogers Family Larry, Marion, Andrew, Sarah and our families xo
Dear Penny, Where to begin? I could feel from the moment I met you in the early 1970’s you were a special person. Since then you and Mike have been such good friends and we have enjoyed so many good times together. Shared the joy of the birth of our kids and our grand kids thru their growing years. I always looked forward to our semi-annual visits and really missed them since the start of Covid in 2020. And I really enjoyed the summer vacations we took together. It is always a joy to be in your company with your kind, considerate and positive approach to life. So often the good balance that Mike and I needed.
There are angels in this world walking amongst us. I was honoured to work with Penny at Sherwood Fox. She was the one who showed me kindness and compassion towards all whom she encountered. I will never forget this very beautiful friend. RIP sweet Angel. 🙏🏻🌹💕
Penny will be so incredibly missed at our Stevenson family gatherings. She was always friendly, generous, lively, and joyful. I have admired her my entire life. We were blessed to have her in our lives and will miss her immensely.
My condolences to Penny’s family on your tremendous loss. My mom, Nikki Scarpino worked with Penny at W Sherwood Fox and I can recall all the great times they shared working together and continuing their friendship to this day. Sending you love and heartfelt thoughts while you remember your loving Penny.
Penny was a wonderful friend, kind, generous and oh so much fun. I was so lucky when Penny and I became colleagues at Oxford Park. My sincere condolences to Mike and family.
It was a gift to have known Penny. I will remember her for the joy you saw give to others. The gracefulness she always had. The wonderful example she was to her nieces. I will miss her.
Mike and Family, We send our sincere condolences. Penny was a lovely person and she will be greatly missed. 💕
The entire Kerr family will miss sweet Penny. She always treated our family as if we were a part of her own, Jim and I treasure our memories of many,many trips together. Mikey, Jim and I relyed on Penny keeping us in line which we know was often a difficult task. When our daughter Amy was diagnosed with terminal cancer Penny became her second mom and for that we will be forever grateful. Rest In Peace Penny our new angel.
Penny was a source of joy and laughter and love for so many people. Her kindness and consideration of others was evident always. Her courage in the face of her illness was amazing. For me personally, I will miss her many book recommendations, which were always spot on, her sense of humour, which often had us in stitches, her generosity of spirit: she frequently passed along clothing and puzzles that she was finished with because she knew I hated shopping. She was always thinking of others. But most of all, I'll miss her laughter. I love you, Penny. You will live on in our hearts always.
Penny was a lady we liked from the moment we met her, always smiling and upbeat. I will never forget her reaction when she found out she was going to be a Gramma. Thankfully she was surrounded by the support of her family which were the light of her life, a good life. Penny will be missed.
Penny you were the most wonderful person, you were always the happy and helpful person and the very strongest , you pushed through as long as you could and finally had to give up. We will miss you miss you but you are always in our hearts and mind for sure. Thanks for being you, we love you.
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Mike and Family...I was so saddened when I heard about Penny's passing. I started my teaching career at Aberdeen and I learned SO much about teaching...from Penny. She was an absolutely amazing role model!! I close my eyes and I can still hear her laugh. It was infectious. We all loved working with her!! Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate her life this weekend. I'm sorry I can't be there in person, but I will be certainly thinking of you and the impact Penny has had and continues to have on hundreds of lives.
~ Bill Tucker