Penelope Penny "Penny" Ann Iannacone

A great soul left us on Thursday, September 15, when Dr. Penelope “Penny” Iannacone, DVM, died suddenly at home in the company of her loving husband of 34 years. Dr. Penny, as everyone knew her, brought joy to many lives by helping people keep their pets healthy and happy. She strongly believed that through sharing their lives with a pet, people would not only experience joy and companionship but also come to appreciate the natural world around us and the need to preserve it for the future. Raised on 40 acres outside Kansas City, Missouri, from a young age Penny admired the veterinarian that came to care for their family’s livestock and pets, but she did not have an opportunity to pursue a career in veterinary medicine until a job relocation in 1999 brought the family to Knoxville. She learned of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and decided that with their two sons now getting older and needing less constant care she could pursue her deferred dream. She started vet school in 2001 while working as a veterinary technician at Admiral Veterinary Hospital in Farragut. After graduation, she continued at Admiral until 2008, when she became a co-owner of Central Veterinary Hospital in the Fort Sanders neighborhood. She served for a time on the board of the Knoxville Veterinary Medical Association. The determination she exhibited in pursuing a difficult field as a midlife career change carried through to other aspects of her life, such as her decision to live a healthier lifestyle through which she lost 60 pounds and ran in a 5K race. She believed that if she could achieve these goals others could too, and she provided guidance and mentorship to many whose lives she touched. She brought the same intensity and passion that she had for veterinary medicine and healthy living to all aspects of her life. She loved to travel, and treasured memories of a 2014 trip to Italy with friends. She was an accomplished chef and enjoyed the arts, especially the Knoxville Opera. She is survived by her husband Albert (Al); her mother Lavina Watkins of Liberty, Missouri; her two sons Michael and Matthew, both of Knoxville; a brother, Patrick Watkins of Kansas City, Missouri, his wife Deena Watkins and their daughter Katie. Her father, William Watkins of Liberty, Missouri and her 15-year companion, her Jack Russell terrier Sprite, preceded her in death. Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 21 at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund in Penny Iannacone’s memory: send to UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Attention: Kippy Todd, 2407 River Drive, A301P, Knoxville, TN 37996. Please make checks payable to UT Foundation.