Constance D. "Connie" Penny

Constance D. “Connie” Penny, 87, died Friday, February 28, 2025 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Connie was born October 15, 1937 in Kalamazoo to Walter and Florence (DeRyke) Anderson. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1955. On June 30, 1955 Connie married Edgar Penny in Galesburg, who sadly preceded her in death in 2008. 

Connie enjoyed traveling and wintering in Okeechobee, FL. She was a dedicated “Avon Lady” for 34 years who always made sure she had just what her loyal customers might need and was so proud of the Avon dolls she collected. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends and was an avid reader, often visiting the library multiple times a week. She always had a spoiled dog or two around the house to keep things interesting and fun. Connie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her great source of joy, and the number of photos she proudly displayed on her walls told that story to everyone who visited her! 

In addition to her loving husband, Connie was preceded in death by her parents and her son-in-law, David Berlien. Connie is survived by her two daughters, Karen Berlien and Jo (Donald) Markwart; two sons, Douglas Penny and James (Tami) Penny; 9 grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, David (Suzann) Berlien, Master Sgt. Andrew Penny (Mandy), Justin (Molly) Penny, Nicole (Rob) Daley, Jessica (Dustin) Stevens, Christopher (Kylie) Boer, Jacob (Anna) Boer, Connor Penny (Alice); 13 great-grandchildren and a brother, Robert (Nancy) Anderson. 

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Connie’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Rose Arbor Place. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.