Edith Cook "Edie" Penney

PENNEY, Edith Cook "Edie" Edith C. "Edie" Penney, 86, a long time resident of Newington, passed away on Tuesday (June 9, 2009). She was born on June 25, 1922 to the late Edward J. and Helen F. Cook of Mount Holly, VT. Edith grew up on the farm in Mount Holly during her formulative years until the family relocated to the "big" city of Rutland during her teen years. An accomplished piano player, Edith honed her skills throughout her youth and studied with the director of the Vermont symphony for a period of time. A few years after graduating from Rutland High School, she attended business school in Boston, MA. After the war, Edith relocated to the State of Connecticut, worked several jobs and eventually met her husband, John James Penney, whom she wed in 1952. The newlyweds moved to New Jersey and the family grew with the birth two children over the next five years. In 1963, the family relocated to New Britain and purchased a home the following year in Newington where she resided until the summer of 2007. During those years, Edith was employed at several firms in the greater Hartford area that included Sage Allen's, Valley Teachers Federal Credit Union and the State of Connecticut Department of Education and Commission on the Arts. She loved to dance, play cards and make music on the piano for personal enjoyment or in support of community activities like the Cub Scouts. She was also actively involved in the Newington Congregation Church of Christ where she taught Sunday School for many years. She is survived by her son, John J. Penney; daughter, Linda H. Penney; grandson, Matthew J. Penney; granddaughters, Theresa M. Penney and Cynthia L. Penney; great grandchildren, Wyatt J. Penney, Madeline G. Penney, Luke J. Penney and her brothers, Edward J. Cook, Jr., George W.F. Cook and Frederick N. Cook. The family will receive friends on TODAY between 5-7 p.m. at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Laurel Glen Cemetery, Shrewsbury, VT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Old Iron Ore Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002. To share a memory please visit us at www. newingtonmemorial.com.