mother of four children, passed away at the age of 79.
Penelope (our Penny) was born in Islip, NY on May 28th, 1941, to Fred and Emma
Bluhm, and had a younger sister, Deirdre. She graduated from Bayport-Blue Point (NY) High
School in 1959 and went on to receive a BA in Art History from Drew University in Madison, NJ,
becoming the first person in her family to earn a college degree. She often told stories of her
idyllic childhood growing up in the 40s and 50s, referring to it as the “real life ‘Happy Days.’” She
worked for the Social Security Administration for 30 years, after which she retired. In 1965, she
met and married her husband Bob in Washington, DC. Together they raised four children, three
girls and a boy, and spent their lives in the town of Livingston, AL. A staunch advocate of lifetime
learning, all of her children went on to receive their college educations.
Penny was a voracious reader, and could always be found with a new book. She loved
learning and experiencing new things and was very fond of traveling to new places. But her
favorite place in the world was probably the Livingston, AL Public Library, where she was a
well-known patron. Penny had a boisterous and infectious laugh, and would never hesitate to
volunteer to help, particularly for her church home at the First Presbyterian Church in Livingston.
One of her favorite tasks was to decorate the church tree, which she and her family did for many
years. Some of the favorite times in her life were spent on vacation in Gulf Shores, AL with her
family, where she would spend hours on the beach reading, occasionally taking a break to swim
in the Gulf with her children. She was a wonderful cook and hosted Thanksgiving at her home
for her extended family for many, many years. Her collard green casserole won awards in
Sumter County, AL so many times, the recipe had to be retired.
In 2020, she made a final move to Mobile, AL, where she could be closer to her children
and grandchildren. Her final years were spent enjoying the company of family and close friends.
Penny was preceded in death by her husband Bob, and her parents Fred and Emma.
She is survived by her sister Deedie, her children Alicia, Rob (Teri), Emily (Amelia) and Mettie
(Caily), her grandchildren Jack (Hannah), Ben, Hart, Will, McKenzie, Libby and Penelope, and
several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no formal service. A memorial facebook page
has been set up, and a celebration of life will be held with immediate family and friends later this
year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that well-wishers donate to the Ruby Pickens Tartt
Public Library in Livingston (donation of money or books), or to the American Cancer Society.
Any cards or condolences can be sent to 2909 South Sherwood Drive, Mobile, AL 36606.
