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Penny Blake Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Penny Blake
How I remember Penny - 1974
January 10, 2008
Philip Feil
December 29, 2007
Dear Blake Family. I only found out about Penny's passing on 12/25. I knew Penny only a few months in Yoga class last winter. I was inspired by her courage, determination, and positive spirit. As a retiree I suppose I had a slightly different relationship with her and we were able to joke around from time to time. On the last day of class I reached out my hand to help her up to hug her goodbye. That was the only time I realized her emotional state. You see, we both had a cry at that same moment. God bless her and all of you.
Kyle Herron
December 21, 2007
I am just learning of Penny's death. I was a summer intern at CCCC in 1990. I recall memorable times with Penny as she served as a youth volunteer on the summer youth trip to California.
General Hambrick
December 3, 2007
When I was a student at TCU, Penny left a big impression on me, because of her love for the dance and her joy of life. I will always remember her energy and her laughter. I pray that God comforts you all in this time of separation.
Linda Daniels McDonald
December 2, 2007
Penny was a great friend. She was a sorority sister and a dance companion. She had a great outlook on life. She could always make lemonade out of lemons. Looking on the bright side and finding the good in everything. She was a fighter and I admired her spirit. I am so glad I knew her. She touched my life and made me a better person. We always had so much fun together. It is those memories I will always cherish. I will miss you Penny.
Love ya,
Linda
Dr Kevin Fitzmaurice
December 1, 2007
Penny was a fighter and she always gave her all. It was a privelege to know her and see how she approached life with her illnesses. She was an inspiration to many and the staff in my office were inspired by her strength. My condolences go out to her family. We will remember Penny in our hearts forever.
Diane Collins
November 30, 2007
Penny was a member of our Bunko group "Bunko Babes." It is safe to say that the party began when Penny arrived. She was so much fun and so inspirational. It is difficult to think of Penny and not smile. At Bunko, Penny often competed for the "Loser" prize... But Penny, you were always a "Winner" and we will miss you so much.
Kevin Evans
November 30, 2007
Penny was always fun and funny, full of energy and wit. As it turns out, she was also full of courage and strength and unfortunately had those both tested more than she should have, certainly. You couldn't know Penny and not be able to think of her, laughing and full of life.
Kim and Derek Eveland
November 29, 2007
DeWayne, Austin and Ginger,
It has been awhile since we have seen you all, life gets in the way as they say. And Austin, you and Derek are no longer in soccer. :) I will always remember the times at soccer games that your mom and I would run down the field cheering you both on, she had a lot of spirit. Our cheers and prayers for your mom's life are still with us. Accept our deepest sympathy for your loss of a wonderful mom, friend and companion. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this precious time. We will always remember our friend and soccer buddy. Know that anytime you can reach out to Derek and I.
God Bless you all and your angel will be watching over you.
We love you.
Jerry Miller
November 29, 2007
Penny was such a great person to know. We were great friends in high school and we talked frequently while she was at TCU. I have always admired her fiesty spirit, her independence, and at the same time her compassion and love for her family and friends. Penny was a great gift to all of us.
Martha McCarthy Dooley
November 29, 2007
I met Penny at TCU, we were sorority sisters in Delta Gamma. She was my best friend's big sis. I can't begin to tell what am impact Penny had on my life. I have spent the last few days thinking, laughing, and crying when remembering her. Of course, I knew her as "Shoop" and I was always "McCarthy. " She was an inspiration in the sorority and was THE reason many girls pledged. She rushed my roommate who rushed me. Penny would
always be available to go for a beer at The Stables or to drink at the Oui Lounge. She always made sure we all had dates to the formals and it wasn't a dance without a Penny dance lesson for all in the chapter room. I will never forget the Freeze because of her. We spent Thanksgiving together one year as we were the only two left on campus. I went to her senior recital and learned what modern dance was about. I moved here several years ago and talked with Penny but with schedules, etc. didn't see each other much. I now will be more diligent to keep in touch with others. I last talked to Penny 3 weeks ago, I was shocked to see her obituary. Ginger and Austin, I never met you but know you were the greatest things in her life. She was so passionate about everything, always remember the passion and allow it into your lives. She lives on in both of you and you were so lucky to have her as I was to know her.
Pat Lipira
November 29, 2007
As I read the various notes and memories of Shoop, I continue to see the word "inspiration". When I was diagnosed with breast cancer October 30th, 2007, she contacted me almost immediately and was at my house (in Joplin) within a couple of weeks. Because of her story and advice, I am now a 1-year survivor and have done everything I can to prevent a recurrence. She helped me find humor in the journey (from picking out wigs to buying boobs!). We shared laughter, high school stories, and most recently "breast cancer". I am a stronger and better person because of Penny Shoop.
The Ultimate Drive & The Ultimate Hero
November 29, 2007
RFTC 2007
November 29, 2007
RFTC 2006
November 29, 2007
Christmas Dinner 2006
Alena, Kim & Susan
November 29, 2007
Penny – we remember…
· Your Smile.
· The day we met you.
· The Komen Education Committee.
· The night we met Nancy Brinker.
· Race for the Cure and you in your Pink cowboy hat.
* The health fairs and you saying –get your mammogram!
· Breakfast at your favorite restaurants.
· Lunch at Nordie’s.
· Your laughter and the L sign on your forehead..
· Beers at Maloney’s.
· Casino hopping on your 50th birthday.
· Playing poker and ‘crap on your neighbor.’
· Our chats at the Cancer Center.
· Our dinner parties.
· Your love for Dewayne, Ginger and Austin.
· Bob & Bea and the screen door.
· Every moment that we got to spend with you.
· Your passion for life and for finding a cure.
· Your beauty, your kindness, your sense of humor and your energy.
· Your strength and your courage.
Dewayne, thank you for taking such good care of Penny. You gave so much of yourself and took such wonderful care of her. You were her angel here on earth, and now she is your angel in heaven.
Austin and Ginger, your mom loved you so much - she talked about you often and glowed when she did, and was so proud of who you are and what you have accomplished. Don't ever forget that.
We love you and we will keep working to find a cure so that your children and grandchildren don’t have to worry about breast cancer.
Thank you for touching our lives and our souls. You are forever the #1 PINK LADY.
We’ll think of you often and remember you always.
The ‘other’ Pink Ladies –
Margot Meier Jouett
November 29, 2007
My heartfelt sympathies go to Penny's family in this time of sorrow. Penny always led by example. She was so much fun to cheer with in the Central High days. In my last conversation with her this year, she never ever complained about herself, she only expressed her care and great love for her children, family and friends as this journey unfolded. I'm changed because my path crossed Penny's - most certainly for the better. She's in our hearts always.
Kathy Allin
November 29, 2007
What a great lady. I met Penny the fall of 2006 at JCCC in aerobics class and was amazed at her positive attitude. She will be missed.
Brad Skaith
November 29, 2007
My Dearest Penny:
Where is it that you have gone? For surely we are still here feeling you near us, seeing you smile and hearing your incredible laugh. You are still seen in my mind in the halls of Central High School and in Gary's station wagon on your way to youth group at FCC. Krug Park still has you on the slopes of the big hill in front of the amphitheater, running and trying with all your might to fly an unwilling kite. It flew because you willed it to fly. You are still next to me in church choir singing three fold amens, trying not to giggle too much during your father's sermon. So where is it that you have gone Penny? Your family and friends all have a part of you and you have most certainly never left my heart. You are not gone. Not now. Not ever. I will always love you.
Mitzi McCord
November 29, 2007
Dewayne, Ginger and Austin - it has taken me all week to try and write this. I loved your Mom. She was such a fun loving good friend. I told Dewayne I am going to miss her voice and that wonderful smile - it was so Penny Brown! We had so much fun through the years working out. She was so inspirational, not only at the gym, but through every day she spent just living, loving, and laughing! What a woman! What a spirit! I miss her and I know you guys do too, but know she is now back to her old Penny self in heaven. She will always be with each of you. God Bless you all! Mitzi
Randall Sawyer
November 29, 2007
My heartfelt Christian sympathy and prayers to you at this time of great grief. May our merciful and compassionate God rain down his power and comfort on you.
Barry Taylor
November 29, 2007
Bill Shoop,
I am very sorry for your loss.........
May God bless you and yours.....
Sincerely,
Barry Taylor
Robyn Gupton-Smith
November 28, 2007
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I knew Penny growing up at First Christian church, being in youth choir with her on Saturday mornings and enjoying our time in CYF. Lots of great memories, lots of great times.
Dewayne & Penny
November 28, 2007
My Hero Race for the Cure
November 28, 2007
My Animal Loving Friend
November 28, 2007
Modern Dance Major TCU
November 28, 2007
Beautiful Penny
November 28, 2007
Ginger, Penny, & Austin
November 28, 2007
Austin, Penny, & David Leonard
November 28, 2007
Flip Miller
November 28, 2007
Penny taught me about how to stay strong even when life throws the kitchen sink at you. Penny taught me how to show love. She sold me a deal to get roses every month for my wife. ( raising money for a charity) I thought about how I should have done this rose deal along time ago. I've been married 30 years. It's important to let your spouse know you still love them even when you don't say it much anymore. I grew up with Penny in High School and can honestly say she never changed. She was alway so nice and fun to be with. I enjoyed watching her success with the arobic classes and TV show. I know she loved her children and husband very much. I will never forget Penny.
Sharon Tunakan
November 28, 2007
Austin and Ginger, we are so sorry to hear about your mother. Each time we saw her at West, she always had a smile on her face, always asked how the girls were doing. She faced her illnesses with a lot of courage and in doing so, will provide others with the inspiration to do the same. Sincerely, the Tunakan family
Chris Wallace
November 28, 2007
Ginger - I will always remember Kappa Mom's Weekend your Junior year when I first met your Mom. Even though she was struggling with her illness, she was such fun - and I remember how we shared a booth & drank beer at the Wheel! Even though you didn't know it, I watched you in the Kappa parking lot helping your Mom with her scarf and making sure it looked just right. You were so kind and gentle with her. I will never forget that beautiful sight. Ginger, you are an amazing young woman and I know Penny is watching you from heaven - and so proud!
Doug, Patti & Shayla Hostetler
November 28, 2007
We were so sorry to learn of Penny's passing. We first met when our girls started kindergarten together. Our daughter Shayla use to turn Penny's program on the TV and workout with her. One day Shayla asked for some "rubberbands" like Penny used. I had mentioned this to Penny. Next thing I know is Penny shows up with a set of bands for Shayla. This was just the sweetest thing and I'll always remember how happy she made her. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember you fondly, Penny. Rest in Peace!
Danielle Van Noy
November 27, 2007
I had the pleasure of working with Penny in yoga class at JCCC last year. I always enjoyed going to her classes and loved her great personality and her passion for life. She was such an inspiration to me and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
November 27, 2007
To the family, I am sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although I did not know Penny on a personal level, I know that she inspired and gave many people strength,courage and a wonderful friendship, including my sisters(Alena,Jackie), and mother (Elizabeth), and through them she inspired me and gave me strength, and to accept everyday as a gift, untie the ribbons. I want to thank her for that!I am sorry I didn't get to know her better.... another place and time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
The Richards family
Nancy Cipolla
November 26, 2007
Ginger and Austin,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Now Penny is able to teach those "high intensity" aerobic classes again! Pain Free.
I worked out with your mom from the time Ginger & my daughter Marki were barely a year old through both our pregnancies with Jessica & Austin. We spent every opportunity we could together with our families.
Your mother truly is an angel and will always be with you both! You should be proud to have a mother who has touched so many lives in such a positive manner.
God bless you all.
Nancy
Kerry Wood
November 26, 2007
I could always count on a big smile from Penny whenever I saw her. Her energy and laughter would always fill the room. I admired her spirit, her kindness, and her beauty. We lost touch after college but reconnected this past year. I am so glad we found the time to meet for dinner several times this past year and catch up on each others lives. Penny adored her children and was proud to shared their accomplishments with us. She left us all too soon to embark on her new journey. Thanks, Dwayne and kids, for taking such good care of her. She mentioned often how lucky she was to have you there. I will miss her.
Carol Rea
November 26, 2007
To Penny's family:
All that we say, feel and do that expresses Love is never lost. Penny's spirit of love will be with us always.
Fatai A. Ayoade
November 26, 2007
It was very sad to learn of her death. She was always very shareful and friendly. I am going to miss all are laughters and the positive energy that she provides to all. May her soul rest in peace. Amen
Amanda Bemiller
November 26, 2007
Ginger,
Havent talked to you since 2003 when we gradutated. It is Amanda Bemiller, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl Jernigan
November 26, 2007
Penny was an inspiration from the first time I had the privilege of meeting her. She had so much spunk, drive and love of life. And she gave so much to others. Her volunteer efforts on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, seemed never-ending. I will miss her a lot.
With deepest sympathy,
tom carr
November 26, 2007
blake i am so sorry for you loss. may god and family get you through this time in you life.
tom carr
Becky (Burnett) Linhardt
November 26, 2007
Dear Penny,
It broke my heart to learn of your passing. I really enjoyed our high school days at St. Joe Central with our crazy cheerleading shenanigans and bouncing around in our gymnastics classes. I cherish the memory of your beautiful smile that just lit up the room, your enormous sense of humor and your energy to make everything right in the world. Your physical talents were so impressive, but were surpassed by your loving spirit and zest for life. You were one of the few old friends that I was lucky to have bumped into several times around KC over the past 25 years and what great fun to see your captivating smile again - always with open arms. You brought a lot of joy to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are extended in abundance to your family, good friends and loved ones. God Bless you, Penny.
Brandy Conner
November 26, 2007
Ginger,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be at the memorial and I hope you are doing well. Your mom was awesome, probably the most fun and loving mom I have ever seen. I will never forget her helping me out with my aerobics assignment at school and always bringing you chinese food to work at Gold's. Feel free to call me if you need to.
Rick Miller
November 26, 2007
Blake, your last name is still your first to all those that "worked" with you. I am saddened by your loss and hope that you will get through this with the help of family and God. Fellow "worker" and hilo driver Rick Miller and Family
Sandy Valeno-Davis
November 26, 2007
DeWayne & Family....
Penny was such a sweet lady and an Inspiration to all who knew her.We all loved her here @ The Kansas City Cancer Center and we will miss her! Death only hurts the ones left behind..she will always be remembered for her warm smile and loving nature... You are all in our prayers.
Georgia Livingston
November 25, 2007
Dwyane, Austin, Ginger, Nathan & Natilie,
Heaven has another angel for us and her name is Penny Blake. I will miss seeing her at work, she was such a good person and friend. I will especially miss hearing her say, "Well, it's another lovely day at Johnson County Community College!" Her student's loved her and her colleages will miss her dearly...I know I will. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love and prayers, Georgia
Lisa (Sukovaty) Gordon
November 25, 2007
It has been such an incredibly long time since I last saw Penny, but have heard wonderful things about her accomplishments and pride in her children over the years. We were very close friends at Central High School and in our youth group at the First Christian Church in St. Joseph, but sadly lost touch after college.
Penny's enthusiasm for life was a gift she shared willingly with all she touched. I will always remember her mischevious smile and the way she inspired us all to live everyday to the fullest. I extend my deepest sympathy and wonderful memories of an exceptional woman to all Penny's family and friends. We will all miss her very much.
Makenna Sharp
November 25, 2007
Penny inspired me a lot. She made me think nothing is impossible and that is very true. She gave me this really pretty pink bracelet right off of her wrist because I said that I liked it... I will always remember her by it. I am glad that I knew her and I thank her for all of the special things that she was so thoughtful to give me.. She was a wonderful, inspiring woman who brought me faith and courage!!!
Love,
Makenna
Jackie Sharp
November 25, 2007
Penny was a fighter! She never gave up and she reminded me how precious life is. I am so lucky that my life was touched by Penny. I am thankful that she gave my sister Alena and the Pink Ladies a wonderful friendship. Her will to never give up will always inspire me in our fight against Breast Cancer with Komen. We will have her in our hearts at every single Race For the Cure and her spirit will live on in our fight against breast cancer! She was such a special person!! Dwayne, Austin, and Ginger my thoughts and prayers are with you, she is in a wonderful place!
Hugs-
Jackie
Nancy Oliver
November 25, 2007
Ginger and Austin, you don't know me but I feel like I know you both. Your mom taught me aerobics at Gold's Gym for many years. She was an inspiration to me and helped me achieve many goals. Even when there was only one person in the class at noon, she taught with the same energy and enthusiasm as if the room were filled. Her smile was contagious. She talked every day about you guys and all of your activities. She loved being your mom. Her care for others including her precious greyhounds made the world a better place. She was a great lady. God bless you both.
Rachel Wolfe
November 25, 2007
Penny was a star. She had the presence that caused all of us to want to be included in her inner circle, and yet, there was no inner circle--she found everyone deserving of her friendship. She was a good friend to all she knew with no discrimination because of age or other differences. I am proud to remember her as my friend.
Her absence from this life seems impossible and the world darker because she is no longer with us. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With love,
Alena Wille
November 25, 2007
Penny, I will miss you and your smiling face. Your strength and courage will live on through the pink ladies and our fight against Breast Cancer. I love you! Dwayne, Austin and Ginger, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that with each passing day, it will get a little easier. We are here for you. With love, Alena, Brad, Heather and Alicia
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