Penny Miller Obituary

Penny is truly missed by those who knew and loved her. She also will be remembered for her many interests and talents.

Penny loved history. She worked for years volunteering at the John Adams and John Quincy Adams birthplaces in Quincy, Massachusetts. Penny gave tours and provided the public not only with facts about the two presidents, but she would share meaningful information about items in their homes, about their families, and about the time period they lived in.

Penny’s love of learning continued after graduating from Alfred University and her teaching position. She enjoyed learning and trying new skills. She and her mother often attended night classes and tried their hands at different crafts. Thus, Penny became proficient at tooling leather and made beautiful key chains, pocket books, etc. People also enjoyed getting her gifts of stained glass after she mastered that skill
Penny was an avid reader and shared what she read with others. She and Howie ran a book store that allowed people to enjoy books and that encouraged readers to come back and read more. She always decorated the store with festive holiday decorations that the public enjoyed. Penny and Howie collected antique valentines which they not only displayed at the store, but they gave talks about their valentine collection to various interested groups.

In addition to decorating every season at the store, Penny and Howie displayed their decorations from all over the world throughout their home. Penny always unpacked each box of treasured ornaments and found the perfect spot to display them. Soon bus tours were arranged to view their Christmas displays and to enjoy her holiday baking.

Once Penny connected with you, you were her friend for life. She truly cared about you and your family. Penny was a prolific writer. Throughout her life she wrote letters to her “old” neighbors from places where she first lived growing up, to the people she met on cruises and vacations. She had people/friends from all over the world that she ever cared for.

Penny truly loved helping people. She was very civic minded and worked for years assisting with voting at the polls along, with her work volunteering at the Fox Theater and the Sheldon Concert Hall. Whenever a neighbor was in need Penny would be there - whether it was with baked goods or with caring for their animals while they were away. She walked their dogs and fed their pets. She cared for wild animals as well - always leaving food out no matter what the weather. Penny truly loved her own precious cats. Through the years she found such pleasure and delight in the personalities and antics of her dear kitties right up to Missy and Midnight who were with her when she passed.

I miss her so much already,
Linda Mills

Always enjoyed working with Penny and Howard at Powell with St. Louis Symphony.