Penelope Ann Meschewski (Penny), 74, was born on November 8, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and passed away far too soon on January 13, 2026, while surrounded by love, in the company of her devoted husband of 25 years, Jim, and her three most-prized treasures — her children, Rob, Tom, and Mandy. After a hard-fought battle, her lungs could no longer carry her breath, and she passed peacefully in the place she always dreamed of being: by the beach in Florida.
Penny grew up in Grand Rapids, where she attended and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. She later moved to Ohio to continue her education, earning her degree from Kent State University. She lived a life defined by deep love for her family, quiet strength, and meaningful moments. She adored turtles, found joy in simple pleasures, and never lost her dream of living near the ocean — a dream she fulfilled. A lifelong and proud University of Michigan fan, she rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Wolverines. She loved holidays and had a deep love for Christmas, especially the decorations — each one carefully chosen and displayed, turning her home into a place of warmth and magic.
Above all else, she loved her family. Being a mother and grandmother was her greatest joy, and her presence was a constant source of comfort to those lucky enough to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Gene Vogel; and her brothers, Larry and David Vogel.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Meschewski; her loving sisters, Betsy (Chris) Leib and Carol Williams; her children, Rob (Nikki) Damuth, Tom (Laurie) Damuth, Mandy (Eian) Gilbert, stepson Jamie (Jen) Meschewski; and her beloved grandchildren — Luci, Griffin, Cheyenne, Elias, Alice, Grayson, Paisley, Connor and Logan — each of whom carries a piece of her heart forward.
She will be remembered for her love of family, her quiet determination, and her unforgettable laugh — once it started, it was nearly impossible for her to stop. Often breaking out at the most inappropriate moments, especially in the middle of a card game, her laughter was contagious. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so fiercely and the memories that will forever be held close.
"I don't need you to worry for me 'cause I'm alright." - Billy Joel, "My Life"
The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date.
Penny grew up in Grand Rapids, where she attended and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. She later moved to Ohio to continue her education, earning her degree from Kent State University. She lived a life defined by deep love for her family, quiet strength, and meaningful moments. She adored turtles, found joy in simple pleasures, and never lost her dream of living near the ocean — a dream she fulfilled. A lifelong and proud University of Michigan fan, she rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Wolverines. She loved holidays and had a deep love for Christmas, especially the decorations — each one carefully chosen and displayed, turning her home into a place of warmth and magic.
Above all else, she loved her family. Being a mother and grandmother was her greatest joy, and her presence was a constant source of comfort to those lucky enough to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Gene Vogel; and her brothers, Larry and David Vogel.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Meschewski; her loving sisters, Betsy (Chris) Leib and Carol Williams; her children, Rob (Nikki) Damuth, Tom (Laurie) Damuth, Mandy (Eian) Gilbert, stepson Jamie (Jen) Meschewski; and her beloved grandchildren — Luci, Griffin, Cheyenne, Elias, Alice, Grayson, Paisley, Connor and Logan — each of whom carries a piece of her heart forward.
She will be remembered for her love of family, her quiet determination, and her unforgettable laugh — once it started, it was nearly impossible for her to stop. Often breaking out at the most inappropriate moments, especially in the middle of a card game, her laughter was contagious. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so fiercely and the memories that will forever be held close.
"I don't need you to worry for me 'cause I'm alright." - Billy Joel, "My Life"
The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Penelope Meschewski, please visit our flower store.
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