Susan Pennock Kermes

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI Susan Pennock Kermes, age 88, died peacefully at home on February 16, 2025. While her final years were marked by a series of health challenges, she was sustained through hard times by a trademark fight and feistiness that never flagged. Despite these difficulties, Sue spent her last days surrounded by family, in great spirits, and grateful to all those who cared for and loved her.

Born December 13, 1936, in Syracuse, NY, the eldest child of Robert and Eleanor Pennock, Sue spent her childhood in Gouverneur, NY (just a snowballs throw from Canada) before settling in Greenwich and ultimately Darien Connecticut. She graduated from Darien High School in 1955 where she made lifelong friendships, none more important than with her future husband of 64 years, Kenneth N. Kermes.

After graduating from Briarcliff College, Sue and Ken married in 1958 and thus began a life of perpetual motion. They welcomed daughter Suzanne (Suki) in 1959, followed by son Rob three years later. Over the coming decades, Ken's naval and corporate career took Sue and her family across the country and around the world. From Pensacola to Quoneset, St Louis to London, and many places in between, Sue and Ken would move 31 times over their life together. And on precisely zero of those moves did Ken handle the logistics. Despite her nomadic life, Sue found ways to give back to one community after another from Rowayton's Children's Aid Sale to St. Louis Good Shepherd School.

But it was Ken's retirement in 1992 that gave Sue her chance to shine. The couple settled in South Kingstown and spent the next three decades dedicated to community service. Sue joined the Kingston Chamber Music Festival board for nearly 25 years, serving as Secretary, Vice President, and eventually President. She loved hosting musicians and their families in her home during the annual summer concert series, making friendships that long outlived her board tenure. Sue's other love was South County Hospital. Over the years, she served on the Cancer Center Campaign Committee, the VNS Board, and as a Hospital Trustee. She and Ken could often be found on Christmas Day serving meals to hospital employees. Beginning in the early 1990's, she took a particular interest in the Hospitals Development Office and its new Director, Mary Roda.

The two became fast friends and together pioneered the Hospital Dinner Dance which began humbly under a tent in the parking lot before growing in size and scale over the coming decades. What mattered to Sue and Mary was the events impact: raising millions of dollars for a community institution both believed in deeply. Sue was a prolific thank you letter writer - writing personal notes to tens of thousands of people who supported charities she or Ken were involved with. In 2006, the University of Rhode Island recognized Sue and Ken, bestowing upon both an honorary doctorate in recognition of their community service. Their grandchildren got a big kick calling Moppie and Poppop Doctors.

Sue was predeceased by her husband Ken but is survived by her children Suzanne Tobin and Rob (Janet) Kermes, her grandchildren Beth (Karl) Koehler, Christopher (Shelby) Tobin, RJ Kermes, and Elle Kermes, plus three great-grandchildren Noel, Russell and Arthur. Sue loved her siblings David and Sara Pennock, both of whom shared touching goodbyes with their older sister on her final day. Sue's family would like to express their deep gratitude to her loyal caregivers, Rhonda and Lori, who gave her dignity, joy, and support during her final years. Sue's family will maintain a heartfelt relationship with her friendship group, the Spice Girls.

Sue and Ken spent a lifetime supporting charitable causes and encouraged others to follow their example. In lieu of flowers, Sue would be most thankful if you considered HopeHealth Hospice at HopeHealthCo.org/InMemory or mailed to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904, or to Kingston Chamber Music Festival at kingstonchambermusic.org or mailed to KCMF P.O. Box 1733 Kingston, RI 02881.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 19, 2025, in Narragansett, RI. For guest book and condolences, please visit averystortifuneralhome.com,