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Mildred Penn Obituary

PENN Mildred Ann Mildred Ann Penn, age 100 years, a good friend, aunt, and integral part of the former S. Metzger Co. for 65 years until her retirement in 1993, died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Lake Park Comfort Care in Sylvania, where she had lived the past 7 months. A resident of Lawnview Avenue in Toledo and Haines City, Florida, Mrs. Penn was preceded in death by her husband, William Penn, who died in 1967. She was born in 1907, in Toledo to George and Rosetta (Sievert) Crossman. A graduate of Libbey High School, she attended Stautzenberger College before being hired in 1927, by the S. Metzger Co., at the time one of the largest fruit and vegetable wholesalers in the Toledo area. She became the firm's secretary, bookkeeper, and eventually its treasurer. She was hired by the firm's founder, Siegfried Metzger, and worked with his son, Richard Metzger, and grandson, Robert Metzger. When Mildred was hired by Metzger, fruit and vegetables were shipped into Toledo by rail cars. Early each morning, the downtown market area was jammed with hucksters arriving by horse and wagon to unload produce from trains and bring it to Metzger's. Produce was then hauled to 525 grocery stores in the Toledo area. "All of the business in the early days was done in cash, the payroll was all paid in cash, and Mildred handled it all," said Richard Metzger. "She was very conscientious. She was always there." For years, Mrs. Penn worked from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., six days a week. "It's easier now that I've cut back to three days a week," she told The Blade in 1993, shortly before she retired at age 85. "I never took a day off. I didn't think about it. I just got up and went to work. Few young people today feel that way, so many seem interested only in a paycheck." After her retirement she bought a home in Florida, where she lived each winter. "I love the birds, my friends, and the warm weather," she said recently. She is survived by a nephew, Dale Miller; niece, Lillian LaMarche and numerous great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Carl Crossman and sister, Rosetta Miller. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2-9 p.m. at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, Michigan, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am. Her great-great nephew, Pastor Matthew South, officiating. Interment will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Mildred's family would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to the staff at Lake Park Comfort Care. Your kindness and compassion were immeasurable. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Promedica Hospice. www.pawlakfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Apr. 22 to Apr. 23, 2008.

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Bonnie Cook-Rohr

April 24, 2008

Mildred (Mer Mer) was always very kind and sweet to me and my children. She always remembered my name and to ask about my family when I saw her at gatherings. She will surely be missed.

Nancy Hamilton

April 23, 2008

Dearest Aunt Murmur,
I love you. You are my Grandmother Rosetta's only sister. Mike and I are so thankful that we took the trip to see you one last time for your 100th birthday. You lived a long, and productive life. Your house was our favorite place to go when we were kids and Uncle Willie always made us feel welcome and happy. He was absolutely one of the most wonderful men in the universe. I am sure he is happy to finally see you again. I wrote yesterday but I don't know what happened to it. You and Uncle Willie use to watch us play "one a cat", in the street in front of your front porch. I was not aware, until seeing this that I was named after your middle name. Mom told me that everyone wanted to name me after you, at least part of it stuck. Know that we love you, and wish you a happy journey to see Uncle Willie. You will always be in our hearts.
Norbert's daughter, Nancy, her husband Mike, her ten children, 22 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Ashley and Brayden wish you love and peace.
You are a grand lady and wonderful person. You will, sadly be missed.

Bauer-Davis Family

April 23, 2008

To a wonderful woman and friend who we always looked up to and had the pleasure of knowing in the produce business for many years. God Bless you and may you rest in peace.

William Harold Miller, CMSgt, USAF Ret.

April 23, 2008

Aunt Murmur,

Audrey and I grieve at your passing. Your century long journey has touched many lives in wonderful and poignant ways. Our only solace is in the knowledge that you are now holding hands with our beloved "Uncle Willie" in the embrace of God. The strength, courage and faithfulness you both displayed as I grew into adulthood, are the benchmarks I have tried to pattern my life after. Thank you for being my best friend's best friend. I will continue to wear our dear Willie's name proudly.

georgia

April 22, 2008

so sorry to read of Mrs.Penn's passing.we lived on lawnview street for many years.my children used to cut her grass and we used to sit on the porch with her and she would tell us many stories about the neighborhood back when she was a young girl.she was a very sweet ,kind,lady and very intelligent. we'll miss her.

Jamie Miller

April 22, 2008

Aunt Murmur,

I love you very much and know that you are at peace now. You lived a exciting and incredible life. I admire you and know I will see you again someday.

Joan Arguien

April 22, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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