Penny Buff Werner

Penny Werner Obituary

Penny Buff Werner
June 1, 1945 - Feb. 14, 2021
Penny Buff Werner passed away in the early morning of Feb. 14, 2021, Valentine's Day. She died peacefully at home with her husband Eric, daughter Cathy Wright, and son Jake Buff at her side.
Penny was a lifelong Portlander. Born in 1945, she grew up in the Irvington neighborhood and later in Hillsdale where she attended Wilson High School, '63. She married and had two kids, but divorced when they were very young and raised them on her own. She was a fun mom with a sharp sense of humor. But she instilled in her children a strong sense of personal responsibility and self-reliance, always encouraging her kids to figure things out with her parenting mantra, "stop and think." She married Eric in 1987. They built a house in the Brooklyn Neighborhood in 1993, where they lived together until her death. Penny loved throwing parties. She jumped at the chance to host birthdays, Christmas, any excuse to invite people over and feed them stiff drinks and rich food. Once Eric retired in 2015, Penny and he got the travel bug. After six decades of modest trips, she and Eric went on several international river tours over the last several years, with six trips to Europe and even to China to cruise the Yangtze. Penny was an avid crafter.
Over the last 25 years she's knitted sweaters and crocheted dozens of afghans with every extended family member having at least one, and many of us several. Penny was influential to all whose lives she touched. Her kindness, knowledge of history, and love of old films touched us all. She was a generous woman who loved to lavish thoughtful gifts on all her relatives. On brand for her dark and sometimes irreverent sense of humor, her final words were, "What the hell was that all about?" She is and will be greatly missed.
She also leaves behind sister, Ann Hollyfield (Mark); brother, James Sexson (Joan); daughter-in-law, Jennifer Huss; and grandchildren, Nick Wright and Eva and Madeline Huss.
Donation suggestion - Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits

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

Published by The Oregonian from Feb. 16 to Feb. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Penny Werner

Sponsored by The Family.

13 Entries

marile

February 10, 2023

Penny Sexson such a generous kind person. Brilliant and hilarious. my kids and I knew her home with Eric was a safe and open haven in case of need or want

Jason Raymond Werner

March 12, 2021

Words cannot begin to express what Penny meant to us all nor what a void her absence leaves within all of our lives. Penny lived life precisely how she desired to, confident in her decision to make the most of every moment and memory, and more importantly inspired us all to aspire to the same. I'm so grateful for the chance to have gotten to know her much more authentically and as more than just "Grandma" over the last decade through our shared passions for wine and adventures. Birthday trips to Seattle, excursions in the Willamette Valley, and just spirited and lingering conversations glass in hand after yet another phenomenal dinner she "whipped up" seemingly effortlessly are all memories I will cherish in perpetuity. She always encouraged all of our various ambitions and passions and I take solace in knowing that she continues to push us closer to our dreams...

Bob Burns

February 28, 2021

I’ve had the pleasure to a part of Penny’s extended family for more than 30 years. She always made holidays special with her Christmas party and you could always count on an envelope with a silly holiday themed interactive decoration. She was a special lady. Her loving and wonderful husband and bright, loving and irreverent kids are the best testament to a life well lived. I loved her and I know she loved me. We need more people in this world like her, she will be sorely missed. And really “What the hell is this all about?”

Kelly Sexson Burns

February 25, 2021

My aunt Penny picked up where her mother, my Grandma Jane, left off. She commemorated every holiday with a card and craft and a kind word, carrying on traditions like “jokes” for Christmas. You never left her house without some kind of goodie, or advent calendar, or tasty souvenir from a recent trip. I’m so sad for Eric and all of our family to lose her and hope we can get together later this year to remember her spirit and sense of humor. She had a way of making the best out of every situation which I always admired. My afghan she made for me is on my couch and means even more to me now. Happy to have that daily reminder.

Jim Sexson

February 25, 2021

My little sister grew up to be a model parent, a charming wife, and a hostess without equal.
The world around us is dimmed by her loss.

Jake Buff

February 25, 2021

Penny was a wonderful mom and the best grandma to our girls. We're just beginning to understand the enormity of losing her. She's missed.

Renee

February 25, 2021

Penny, you were a great friend, and wonderful hostess. You always had a quick reply usually with a twinkle in your eye. Words with Friends is a bit lonely without you. You are missed.

February 25, 2021

No matter where I lived, Penny always made sure I got my cards/puzzles/stickers for every holiday. I was such a nice connection to home when I was far away. Her and Eric were some of the few family who were able to travel to our wedding in NY and I’m so thankful that her sense of adventure brought them to Celebrate with us.
She’s going to be missed but not forgotten.
Anna

Cathy

February 23, 2021

When I learned my mother was sick, I started a list of my favorite wise words, a few of which I will share below. Thank you, Mama, for sharing your wisdom and wit with me. And of course, your limitless love. I miss you so much.
Stop and Think
Everything in moderation, including moderation.
Having a bad day? Got to sleep - tomorrow will be better.
You're freedom ends where the other person's nose begins.
No one gets out alive.

Ann and Mark Hollyfield

February 23, 2021

Penny was the best little sister; she entertained and informed us her whole life. The saying, “When someone dies, a library is lost”, was written for her. Penny was wonderful company because she could talk about so many subjects while commenting with humor and planning future adventures.
Ann and Mark Hollyfield

Marile Sexson Kunkel

February 22, 2021

Cousin Penny was an example to me my entire life. She was brilliant, kind and accepting, fun and so funny (our grandfather Sexson's dry sense of humor). She and Eric opened their home to my family many times, often with no notice. She gave great family parties. Penny had an electric car for decades and roof solar panels early on. She made our family and this earth a better place by her presence.

Fran

February 20, 2021

Sweet Penny has moved on to her next adventure. I think of her now finding new occasions to build a party around where she will still relish being the present-er. Our home is dotted with many of her Doo-Dahs & gifts which will always draw a smile and memory of her. I will miss her sharp political wit & overall sense of humor....That’s what Penny was ALL about.

Jenn Cox

February 17, 2021

Ahh, the theme parties & stiff drinks! So thankful for the opportunity to partake. She turned me on to French 75s, and I will always toast her when I drink one.
My deepest sympathies are with all of you. Hope the memories of all the parties and Pennyisms make you smile.

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