Marian "Penny" Willey

Marian Gladys 'Penny' Willey passed away on October 8, 2023 at the age of 90 in Shenandoah, PA. Penny was born on August 22, 1933 in Darby, PA to the late Helen and Bart Siter.

Predeceased by her loving husband, Len, just six weeks ago, she lived a long and amazing life devoted to her family, friends and beloved animals of all kinds. Her lessons in giving back, healing, supporting and protecting those in need were a huge part of her life's work.

Penny attended Friends Central School and furthered her education at the University of New Hampshire and Sacred Heart University. She also proudly served as an Air Force wife and as Len's 'co-pilot' throughout his American Airlines' career and beyond.

After an early career as an elementary school teacher and later as a paralegal during her years in Ridgefield CT, Penny also volunteered her time working with the juvenile court system and supporting young mothers, advocating for the elderly and the homeless, leading Campfire Girls group and providing shelter for animals in need through her work as an ASPCA officer. She organized the introduction of the endangered grey wolf to elementary and middle school students by hosting the wolves and their handlers at her home. Her deep love for animals extended to all species (especially her beloved dogs and granddogs), with neighbors occasionally dropping off wounded birds, snakes and an orphaned opossum needing care. Her connection with nature resulted in her special relationship with certain crows who would come to her calls and visit daily.

She traveled extensively with boundless curiosity and made sure that every trip was filled with fun and adventure. She held a special affinity for the Desert Southwest and the Native American spirit, culture and creatures. Penny found solace and community at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Her faith was an important aspect of her life.

A warm and fun hostess of many family and friend gatherings, the Willey kitchen table was always a welcoming hub for friends and neighbors who frequently visited. Her humor and outlandish wit leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Always one to leave us notes of inspiration, KINDNESS was her life message. Penny's fun, creative energy, her stunning beauty inside and out, her love for her family and life celebrations, will be greatly missed. We hope this finds her sitting peacefully with her Len telling themselves they tasted all the sweetness that life holds.

Penny is survived by her children Linda and Mike Andersen, Len and Julie Willey, and Janice and Kenny Day. She was a cherished grandmother to Morgan and Jackson Keohane, Robyn Willey, Holly Southworth amd Riley Fugere, Alexis and Andy Stefani, and Hunter Day. Penny is also survived by her precious great-granddaughter, Quinn Keohane and by her niece and nephew, Debbie and Boe Rayer, their families and countless friends.

Services to honor Penny and Len's remarkable lives will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the New Hampshire SPCA www.nhspca.org or to the World Wildlife Organization www.worldwildlife.org , organizations that were close to Penny