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Penny Gentilly Obituary
She grew up in Northern California and attended University of California, Berkeley during the free speech movement (in which she was active) and graduated in 1967.
After some time in publishing and PR she began a career in politics and public service in 1975 working for Moscone for Mayor campaign in San Francisco.
She then made her way to Washington where she worked on the Hill for Congressmen Peter Peyser and Leon Panettea followed by serving the Carter Administration at the USDA. She then returned to the hill to work for Congressman Les Aspin and culminated her time on the Hill as the Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus under the leadership of Hon. Steny Hoyer.
In the summer of 1991, she was in a car accident which put her in a nursing home for the rest of her life. Following this tragedy, her husband Peter Peyser Jr. lobbied for the mandatory inclusion of airbags in vehicles which we now all take for granted.
Penny is survived by her daughter, Kim Peyser; her ex-husband Peter Peyser; her son-in-law Gregory Barry and her granddaughter Stella Barry.
The family will be gathering privately to celebrate her life but would welcome contributions in her honor to World Central Kitchen -- serving the cause of fighting global hunger which she was passionate about.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Penny Gentilly
2 Entries
Barbara (Peterson) Kessler
April 26, 2025
Farewell to my best friend since seventh grade in Petaluma, California.
You became God Mother to my older daughter because of your wonderful attributes.
There are memories of yearly June sixth birthday dinners in San Francisco at upscale restaurants and sailing on the Petaluma River among other activities over the years.
Rest in peace:
Pat S Kilduff
February 21, 2025
May her memory be a blessing
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Memorial Events
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How to support Penny's loved ones
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