PENELOPE (PENNY) MEAD (nee VAN DER GUCHT)

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PENELOPE (PENNY) MEAD (nee VAN DER GUCHT) January 5, 1942 - January 9, 2009 Peacefully, on January 9, four days after her 67th birthday, Gramma Penny passed away. Penny leaves many to mourn her passing: her husband of 46 years, Gerald Mead; her four children and their spouses; Cary (Steve), Jonathan (Eileen), Christopher (Robyn), and Andrew (Janice); her grandchildren: Elizabeth, Cameron, Taylor, Kennedy, Madison, and Sophie; and her sister Mary Jane (David). Penny was predeceased by her father Benjamin, her mother Molly, and her brothers, Crispin and Nicholas. Penny, the eldest of four siblings was born in Essex, England. From her earliest days, Penny had a true passion and gift for music, studying the oboe and playing in the London Schools Symphony Orchestra. Penny immigrated to Canada with her family in 1961 when her father became a professor at the Music Conservatory in Regina, SK. She joined the Regina Symphony where she met the love of her life Gerald. They married a year after they met and shared a passion for music which laid the foundation for their life together. Penny was the proud mother of four children. Her devotion to her children is difficult to put into words. She was heavily involved in Girl Guides, Cubs, Scouts, concerts, recitals, and sporting events. She made every sacrifice to provide her children the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Thank you Mom! After raising three sons and a daughter, one would have forgiven Penny for taking a break from children. However, when the opportunity arose, Penny took on a position as a daycare provider, spreading her magic to more lucky children. Penny celebrated her retirement with her family and colleagues in 2007. Penny was blessed with six grandchildren who became the next loves of her life. Gramma Penny gave her grandchildren many amazing moments of creativity and laughter. They will truly miss Gramma Penny, but just as with everyone else who knew her, they will have a lifetime full of wonderful memories of the special times they shared. Penny kept her passion for music at the forefront of her life. She continued to teach oboe lessons up until the time of her passing. She played in many community orchestras. Penny's musical talents touched many people and will be dearly missed. Penny was a special soul. She was able to enjoy every moment; making the most of everything she was given. She enjoyed her garden, Christmas-time, and drives with her husband. She used the word delicious to describe all things pleasant. As her sister Mary Jane so wonderfully said, Penny bloomed where she was planted. A happier, more selfless person you could never know. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Grace Hospital and the MICU at the Health Sciences Centre for the care and assistance provided. Thanks also to extended family and friends for providing such overwhelming support. A memorial service for Penny is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, 255 Oak Street. A reception will follow in the basement auditorium. Flowers are gratefully declined. Penny's family is planning to establish a fund in her name. Information on the fund will be forthcoming for those wishing to contribute. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery # 1 Green Acres Lane, (204) 222-3241 Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2009