Lide "Lieke" Penney

Lide (Lieke) Penney passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, October 2. Lieke lived a life of grace, love, and faith. Born on October 29, 1937 in Indonesia to a colonel in the Dutch Army, Johann Tijmann and Alida C. (Deijlius) Tijmann, Lieke spent her first four years of life playing freely with her two older brothers, Robert (Boelie) Tymann, and Willem (Pim) Tijmann. Then in 1941, when the Japanese invaded the region, Lieke and her family were sent to live in concentration camps, Lieke and her mother were separated from her brothers and father. At the conclusion of WWII, Lieke, her mother, Boelie, and Pim moved to the Netherlands. Johann remained in Indonesia and later remarried , having another son, Lieke’s half-brother, Bill Tijmann.

Lieke thrived in the Netherlands. She enjoyed playing all the sports her brothers did, especially swimming, which she did competitively. In school, she demonstrated a strong aptitude for languages - graduating speaking four. She quickly found herself working for Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. However, it wasn’t long before Lieke followed her brothers to America. In 1959, Lieke moved to Boston with her daughter, Lydia Tijmann and her mother.

Lieke quickly settled into a new life making quick friends with everyone in her church and her new colleagues at Melrose Savings Bank where she worked for many years. In 1960 Lieke met her first husband, Coast Guard Master Chief, Joseph Loring Lucas. The two were wed in 1961 and had two children, Lindamae and Lorne. The family of five loved to vacation in Alton Bay, New Hampshire, host large family gatherings, and visit historical monuments throughout Boston. Sadly, Loring passed away unexpectedly in 1981.

It was Lieke’s unwavering faith that saw her through this challenging time. With strength and determination, Lieke continued raising her three children, caring for her ailing mother, and Lydia’s identical twin daughters Alida and Alicia. Always the room parent for each of her three children’s classes throughout their school years, Lieke shared her kindness and generosity with everyone. She especially loved being the Girl Scout Troop leader, welcoming people into her home. It was during this time that Lieke discovered her passion for all things arts and crafts. She made beautiful handmade gifts for every birthday and holiday.

Lieke’s warmth, vibrant smile, and gentle nature made nearly everyone she met a lifelong friend. This is especially true of her church families. Lieke loved teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, leading prayer groups, and hosting Woman’s Bible Study in her home. Lieke also was extremely busy speaking to church groups about her experience during World War Two as a prisoner of war and her message focused on forgiveness and hope. It was in church that Lieke met her second husband, John Calvin (Cal) Penney. The two bonded over the love of their children and their deep relationship with God. Cal had three sons, John (Jack), Mark, and Paul Penney. They married in 1988, moved to North Reading Massachusetts and built a retirement home in Florida where they spent their winters until Cal’s passing in 2007.

It has been said by all who knew Lieke that she had a way of making each person feel like the most special person in the room. She saw the best in everyone and never missed a chance to say so. She shared how important it is to give life to the feelings people have for one another and to share them freely ensuring people know how much they mean to you.

Lieke leaves behind her children and their spouses, Lydia & John Cupp, Lorne & Kate Lucas, and son-in-law John Malis. Also her step sons and their spouses John (Jack) & Elaine Penney, Mark & Teresa Penny, and Paul and Alicia Penney. Also, her grandchildren and their spouses, Alicia & Matt Tague, Alida & Martin Carter, Alexis Cupp & Timothy Ackers, Jesse Malis, Anya Malis, Megan Lucas, and Raymond Lucas. Her step-grandchildren: Michael, Mathew, John, Stephen, Laura, and Sam Penney. And, her great grandchildren, Mathis and Evelyn Tague, Ella, Chloe, and Layla Carter, and Kayden Ackers. Lieke’s strength, kindness, positivity, and faith became the foundation of three generations. Lieke understood that her always present joy, love, and warmth was her greatest gift. She was most proud of her role as the matriarch of her family.

In her passing Lieke joins, Johann Tijmann (her father), Alida Tijmann (her mother), Boelie Tymann (her brother), Pim Tijmann (her brother), Loring Lucas (husband), Cal Penney (husband), Lindamae Lucas (daughter), and Willem Malis (grandson).

There will be a celebration of life at the David L. Moore Chapel on Monday on the Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center grounds, October 14 at 11:00am (37 Mount Major Highway, Alton Bay, NH 03810). Please join the family for refreshments and gathering following the celebration at the Lombard Center on the ABCRC’s ground.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center (5 Broadway Boulevard PO box 321, Alton Bay, NH 03810).