Penelope Lawder

Penelope (Penny) Lawder 78 of Burlington Vermont passed away at her home on October 4th,2023.
Penny was born in New Rochelle New York on August 3rd, 1945, to Richard and Ethel Hinman. She attended William Woods college in Missouri where one of Pennys favorite achievements was winning the most mischievous freshmen award in college. Penny lived in many different places over the years including Scotch Plains New Jersey Northfield Vermont, and finally settling in Burlington Vermont. Penny worked as assistant to the president at Vermont life magazine, and she worked closely with the department of children and families. Penny was a true leader in the community adopting several children and fostering those with the most difficult challenges. Penny's door was always open and her ability and willingness to provide support, and love will forever be engrained in all who knew her. Pennys greatest gift to the world is the love and understanding she gave so freely to the children she raised and the friends with which she surrounded herself.
Penny always enjoyed laughing and joking but didn't care for small talk as she knew there was always something more important that needed to be said. She had a way of digging it out of you, getting to the point even though sometimes it took hours and you were never sure how exactly you got there. Never the less she got you there and she held your hand through the toughest of realizations. She had a calm that only comes from a life well lived. She was always surrounded with love because she gave it so freely never asking for anything in return.
Penny was independent, strong and almost always right and she would tell you all about it. Although she was right, she wouldn't rub it in. She will be greatly missed and words will never convey the loss this world will feel.
Penny is preceded in death by her son Scott Lawder, son DJ Lawder and husband Ron Lawder. She is survived by her sons David, Earnest and Koda Lawder, brother Richard Hinman and wife Carrol Hinman of Boynton beach Florida.
A gathering of friends and family will be held Saturday the 21st of October at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington Vermont from 1 to 3 pm.
Donations can be made to Koda Lawder in lieu of flowers, there will be a go fund me set up and the link will be available soon.