Amy Penny Appelbaum

1938 - 2022

Appelbaum

Amy Penny Appelbaum (Age 84)

Amy died peacefully at home in Arlington on December 20, 2022. Originally from the seaside village of Mattituck, NY, she was born Amy Sherrill Penny in 1938. She received her Bachelor's and Master of Public of Administration degrees from Syracuse University, where she met her husband Henry "Hank" Appelbaum. They married in New Delhi, India in 1964 and lived in New York City, Uruguay, and Washington, DC before making Arlington their home in 1970.

A Democratic activist for over 40 years, Amy campaigned for local candidates, donated to many causes, and marched for the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive rights. She was employed for two decades as an aide to state legislator James Almand and served on the Arlington Board of Equalization for Real Estate Assessments for ten years.

Amy was recognized as a "Person of Vision" by the Arlington County Status of Women Commission in 2004 for her community volunteer work. She started volunteering in her children's schools in the 1970s and co-founded the Arlington County Association for Learning Disabled Children, which impelled the county to become a national leader in special education. She played leadership roles in organizations such as the Northern Virginia Mental Health Association, Meals on Wheels, and Leeway Civic Association. Amy knew nearly everyone in her neighborhood and often lent a helping hand. As her health declined in recent years, generous neighbors responded in kind.

Predeceased by her husband, Hank; parents, Arthur and Lucille; and siblings, Arthur and Marjorie, she is survived by daughter, Nancy (Ken); son, Sam; grandchild, Imogen; and siblings, Larry and Gwynne and their families. The name Amy means "beloved," and so she was by extended family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, and a succession of spoiled pets. Donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington or to a local organization in your community. A memorial may be held at a later date.

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