Penelope Perkins Chalkley

Ms. Penelope Perkins Chalkley, age 83, of Edgewater, Maryland, died peacefully of natural causes on Friday, 6 September 2024. Penny, as she was known by countless family, friends, and colleagues, was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her son Brigadier General Adam Chalkley and his wife Brandy, son Seth Chalkley and his wife Lila, and daughter Sara Carr and her husband Bill; brother Jeffrey Perkins; and grandchildren Hannah Chalkley, Madelyn Chalkley, Caroline Chalkley, Max Chalkley, and Jessica Carr.

Penny was generous with her love, time, style, and resources. She was a lover of animals, gardening, art, reading, wine, adventure, and good company. She hated chores ever since she was a young girl, but she embraced the endless tasks of her fiercely independent life right up to the end, often amazing everyone who knew and admired her.

Over the course of her very full life, she adopted and cared for more than 37 rescued dogs and cats. She was especially fond of her Rottweilers and her cat Farky. Each of these precious pets’ lives were immeasurably enriched by Penny’s love and devotion.

Her family and friends will miss her company, good humor, and unbreakable spirit. She always took the time to visit her children and grandchildren, no matter where they were in the world. She was a world traveler in her own right, bringing treasures home with her from each adventure and using them to decorate her beautifully and elegantly curated home.

Penny was a graduate of George Washington University and had extensive training at the Maryland Institute College of Art. She contributed generously to both institutions throughout her life in gratitude for what she learned and discovered as a student.

She will be intensely missed. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Gifts can be made online at: https://serc.si.edu/donate Please type “Penny Chalkley memorial” in the gift designation box. Checks should be made payable to “SERC” and mailed to:

Director of Development, SERC

647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037

Donations in Penny’s name can also be made to her other two favorite charities, the Humane Society of Anne Arundel County, and the SPCA. In lieu of funeral services, there will be a Celebration of Life held for family and friends at a later date.