Penelope Ann Symchych

Penelope Ann Symchych, age 79 of Warren, died Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was born February 20, 1942 in Hamtramck, Michigan, daughter of the late John and the late Evelyn (nee: Bodnarchuk) Kohut.

Penelope, or “Penny” as she was known more affectionately by all, was lovingly swept off her feet by the dashing, Carey Symchych into a life of courting and romance which ultimately led them down the aisle of marriage on October 10, 1960. They were blessed to welcome 4 beautiful children into their lives, and grew deeper in love with each passing day as they enjoyed 48 years of wedded bliss together until Carey’s passing on July 14, 2009. A wonderful homemaker and Mom, Penny worked hard to maintain the comforts of home and hearth for her husband and children, and made sure everything ran like a well-oiled machine.  Her tasks were many, but she handled them all with incredible strength, skill, and with the heart of a servant.

When it came to enjoying some of her favorite pastimes, Penny possessed a bit of the sporting spirit which emanated through her love of tennis and fishing. In her younger years, Penny was quite taken with the game of tennis,…and was actually quite competitive as well. As she grew older and navigating the tennis court became more challenging, she turned her interest in tennis toward officiating the game and was honored to have been chosen as an official with the U.S. Tennis Association. When it came time to exchange the game of tennis for something a bit less physical, Penny took on the challenges in her new sport, Pickleball. A little less demanding, but still requiring the skills with a racquet,…Penny now had a go-to sport that didn’t require the immense exertion of tennis.

And as previously mentioned, times up at the family’s cottage in Houghton Lake were often enjoyed with a fishing rod in hand, down at a familiar fishing hole, forever in search of a trophy winner,…or at least dinner. Nothing combines the unique sense of peacefulness & fun quite like the sport of fishing, and Penny knew it well.

Another of the special memories she possessed were the wonderful vacations to Florida she enjoyed. Whether it was a family trip with kids in tow,…or the later years when escaping the Michigan winters for a little sunshine & warmth made a world of difference, Florida was always a favored destination that made for some precious family memories.

When she lost her beloved Carey, Penny was one of those who was blessed to find love twice when she met the handsome, John DeBolle. Though she didn’t follow him down the aisle, she might as well had as the two formed a beautiful love story of their own that provided a plethora of joy for Penny going forward. One of the fondest memories her children reflect upon is how their Mom & John loved to dance, and made it look so smooth and easy as they “tripped the light fantastic,” swaying across the floor like Fred & Ginger. Nothing says “love” quite like watching a couple, embraced in each other’s arms, moving together in a synchronicity that seems to define one movement. That was Penny & John.

Penny will also be remembered for her gaming spirit and how she so enjoyed sitting with her family playing board games, card games, and most anything that would create those precious family memories together. When it came to a bit of fun on her own, Penny was quite the wordsmith and loved playing Words with Friends on her phone. She could have easily given Pat & Vanna a run for their money!

Yet of all that Penny will be remembered for, it was her love of the Lord and her immense faith that shone so bright. A longtime member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Warren, she was also honored to serve as a member of its Active Christian Women’s Club (the A.C.W.C.) whose ministry was often shared in praying the Rosary for its recently deceased church family. Penny’s faith was deep and abiding, and it touched a multitude of hearts and souls as she journeyed through this life. Perhaps that is a large part of why she “never met a stranger,” and she always saw the good in people.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and companion, Penny leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love that is sure to be embraced with each reflection shared. She set a marvelous example of how to live, laugh and love, and made her own unique mark on this world,…and in the precious hearts of her loving family. She will be missed beyond expression and loved beyond measure.   

Penelope was the beloved wife of the late Carey Symchych, and loving companion of John DeBolle. Cherished mother of Carey William Symchych, Randy John Symchych, Susan Marie (the late Bill) McMahan, and Debra Lynn (Mark) Barrington. Adoring grandmother of 6, and great-grandmother of many. Sister of Tim (LeNora) Kohut and sister-in-law of Joan (Adelbert) Jaskula.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Memorial donations, in Penelope’s name, are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, Michigan 48076.  (www.cancer.org)

Please share memories of Penelope at her guest book below.