Patricia G Penney

Patsy was the epitome of optimism and style, a sparkling presence exuding joy to all around her.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Patsy grew up in Winter Park, Fla. and attended The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She received her Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Briarcliffe College, N.Y., and her inclination toward the arts permeated the entirety of her life. With her tasteful eye and excellent sense of design, Patsy worked as a buyer of women and children’s clothing for Jacobson’s Department Store as well as an interior designer for various Winter Park firms. Her delight in intentional details was infectious, and she readily celebrated creative expression, no matter how bold, outlandish, quirky or odd.

Patsy also enjoyed playing and watching tennis, poring over her Sunday New York Times, long contemplative walks, reading, and spending the summer and fall seasons in Highlands, N.C. A devoted Christian, Patsy served on the Vestry at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park and spent many years involved with the Mothers of Preschoolers program there.

Without fail, Patsy created beauty wherever she went, whether through the Flower Guild at All Saints Episcopal Church or giving generously of her time throughout her life to cultivate gatherings with wonderful homemade dishes, laughter and love.

Yet it was Patsy’s inner beauty that shone brightest of all. All who loved her remain blessed by the enduring gift of her presence - her anchoring peace, joy for life, and ability to deeply listen. Patsy spent countless hours encouraging her children’s athletic endeavors and supporting her extended “family” at All Saints Episcopal Church. In her years at The Mayflower in Winter Park, Patsy brightened the lives of residents in Skilled Nursing by creating small flower bouquets to share along with cheerful visits. Her presence and companionship were a treasured hallmark of her life, and she was deeply devoted to her three great loves, W.J. Curtis III, Charles C. Penney, and Robert Sommerville (Jupiter, Fla.).

Patsy will be remembered for her unconditional love, enduring faith in God, devotion to her family, her artistic gifts, and her brilliant smile. She was a force of nature that swept us all up in her warm, loving whirlwind; and if you ever left an encounter with Patsy and you weren’t feeling better about yourself, then you weren’t paying attention.

During her last years at the Mayflower in Winter Park, Patsy became a prolific painter, transforming her space with bright, beautiful works of art that epitomized the quality of her inner spirit. To the end, she was “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). She is deeply missed.

Patsy was preceded in death by her father, Frederick Herman Gade; her mother, Mildred Allison Rutter Gade; and her siblings, Ruth Gade Furnald, Sibley Gade Riggs, and John Herman Gade.

She is survived by her loving children, Cindy Curtis (Michele) of Virginia Beach, Va., Carroll Dyer (Doug) of Orlando, Fla., and Stephen Curtis of Fresno, Calif.; her eight grandchildren, Katherine Clevenger (Gray) of Atlanta, Ga., Kelly Zorn (Austin) of Tallahassee, Fla., Richard Curtis, Bradley Curtis (Megan), Marissa Vogeler (Erik), Sydney Curtis, Taylor Curtis, and Ian Curtis, all of Fresno, Calif.; as well as her nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two nephews, Eric Ferguson and Stuart Ferguson, both of Highlands, N.C.

Her family shares their immense gratitude for the exceptional care provided by The Mayflower, as well as the faithfulness of Patsy's personal caregivers, Mary Lewis, Racquel Richardson, Keneisha Stevens, and Deloris Broderick.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 7, 2026 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park, Fla. A celebration of life will follow immediately after at the church’s Mary Martha Parlor where all are encouraged to join in light refreshments and share their memories of Patsy.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Patsy’s honor may be given to All Saints Episcopal Church in hopes of continuing the Spirit’s work of joy and peace among others.