Jennifer Kay Eio

Jennifer is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Peter Eio, and their three children, Tim Eio and his wife Rachel Eio, Christian Eio and his wife Samantha Eio, and Sarah Eio Smithson and her husband Jeffrey. As well as her five grandchildren, Benjamin Eio, Graham Eio, Isabel Eio, Ana Eio, and Oliver Smithson, all of whom she loved deeply. She is also survived by her cherished sister Susan Commons, her husband Steven Commons, and brother Paul Penhale, his wife Jo Penhale, along with her nieces, nephews, and their families residing in the UK.

Born on April 4th, 1946, in Slough, England to William and Eileen Penhale. Jenny graduated from Secretarial College and commenced her first position with Miles Laboratories in Stoke Poges where she met her husband-to-be, Peter Eio. They were married in 1967 and moved in 1973 to Denmark where Jenny worked at the American Embassy in Copenhagen and later transferred to the embassy in Sweden. The family moved to the UK in 1980 where Peter joined the LEGO Company. After many wonderful years in the English countryside, the family moved again in 1989 to the United States. Jenny and Peter eventually retired to Old Lyme, CT, where they enjoyed spending time with their five grandchildren, tending their English garden, and traveling with family and friends.

Jenny inherited her green thumb and passion for flowers from her late father. She shared her love of gardening with others by becoming involved in the Connecticut Valley Garden Club, where she served as the club’s President for a time. Jenny continued her community involvement in the Hartford area serving as a Board Member for many years at the Hartt School of Music and Suffield Academy and volunteered at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. Jenny was an avid tennis fan, a superb cook, a lover of books, and a keen knitter. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her warmth, kindness, and bright smile made it easy for her to create community and build lifelong connections no matter where she lived or visited. She will be missed by many.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life in her honor later this Spring.