Penny Arnott (née Peniuk)

A poem she copied for this moment, called A Fallen Limb (author unknown).

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.”

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.

--

Penny. Mom. Baba. Foolishly, we feel we can sum up someone with words. But we try. She was liked, she was loved. And she liked being liked, being loved. She grew up on a farm in Alberta. Her parents emigrated from Ukraine. She learned English at school, made friends, had all the challenges we have growing up. She had four siblings, then two, and then none. Saw her parents enjoy a good life, and was there for them too. She married William Arnott, in Vernon. They had two girls and a boy: Roberta, or Bobbie (Len), Susan, and Billy (Deb). The family of five lived in a compact green house on a north arm of Okanagan Lake. Later, Penny would move to an apartment she loved, one with a view. Then another, with another fine view. Throughout her long life she had lots of friends, lots of laughter, and travel. She treasured her faith, and good music. A rich life in every way. She liked sunshine, and flowers, that laughter, those friends. She was blessed with grandchildren: Christy (Levi), Melissa (Robert), and Steve (Laura). Great grandchildren too: Thomas and Paige, Graham and Elliott, Evelyn and Eleanor. Whether skiing, or camping, simply being together, those family connections, simple pleasures, a laugh, lots of food cooked with love. These were the things that defined Penny Arnott, our great grandma, our Baba, our mom. Like the highrise apartments she loved. Pleasant views, panoramas, with sunrise and sunset. And a spot to place family photos.

Friends are welcome to join us for a casual, drop-in Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 29th between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home in Vernon.