Penny Sumner

Penny was born to parents Irene (‘Bonnie’) Sterling and Basil Sterling on Dec. 27, 1936. She spent her formative years in London, Ontario; but in adulthood moved to Goderich, Ontario where she raised her family. Penny lived in a stately home in Goderich for over 60 years, but spent her final five years residing in two care homes; specifically, the Harbour Hill retirement home in Goderich, and finally at the Millwood Retirement Home in Toronto. The staff at Harbour Hill were extremely kind to her, as she enjoyed multiple ‘small town connections’ with other residents + staff at Harbour Hill based upon earlier interactions throughout her many years living in Goderich.

Penny is predeceased by her parents, her two brothers (Chris ‘Kit’ Sterling, and Charlie Sterling), her husband (Al Sumner), and one of her sons (Chris Sumner, who passed away in an accident earlier this year). She leaves behind her only remaining son (Andrew Sumner), and two grandsons (Noah & Ben Sumner); all of whom continue to enjoy fond memories of her witty & sharp sense of humour. Her surviving son + grandsons live in the small city of Courtenay located on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC.

In her leisure time Penny spent many warm summer days on the courts of The Maitland Tennis Club in Goderich, thoroughly enjoying the hours spent playing tennis with her sons and her regular group of ‘tennis gals’. In earlier years she also enjoyed cross country skiing with her family, as well as golfing and curling with her husband at the Maitland Country Club. Penny and her family also created many fond memories at their family cottages in Port Elgin + Grand Bend, Ontario. At home, Penny enjoyed puttering in her garden, reading a good book, or simply cozying up with her beloved dogs in her favourite chair in front of the telly (initially with her dog ‘Jingles’, and then subsequently with her dog ‘Tessie’).

In keeping with Penny’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Cremation has taken place. The family invites you to remember Penny in your own way; perhaps with a kind thought or a moment of quiet reflection.