Cecil Myrle Currie

Cecil was born the second eldest child of Merle F. and Elizabeth A Preston of West Hanover NH, on 11/12/1944, and nicknamed Penny due to her flaming red hair being the color of a copper penny.

She spent her formative years in White River Junction Vermont. Her family moved to Phoenix her junior year of high school. It was during her Senior year that she met the handsome James Michael “Mike” Currie. They married in 1963, and embarked on their life together. In September 1966, they had their first daughter, Pamela Ann, followed by Christina Lynn in 1969.

With Penny at his side, Mike’s military career took them to multiple duty stations in the US and abroad. It was during those moves that Mike was often sent on deployment, leaving Penny to hold down the fort and raise her girls alone, like many other Navy wives. Contributing to her family’s finances and filling the need to keep busy, she worked at her children’s school cafeteria, voluneered at various wives clubs, maintained a home-based custom tailoring business, and then various hospital positions, including Unit Secretary, housekeeping and cook.

Mike’s retirement led them back to Arizona to be with extended family. After Mikes’ passing in 2001, Penny navigated life alone, relying on her strong faith, grit, determination, and multitudes of friends to carry her through. It was at South Peoria Baptist Church where she met her second husband, Kenneth Turner, with whom she again found love, friendship, and companionship. Their 12 years together was built on the solid love for the Lord and their shared common interest in camping, traveling and service to the LORD and others. Although Penny didn’t teach Ken how to sew like she learned in the Philippines, he did enjoy the fruits of her labor with multiple warm and beautiful quilts that fill their house. She also shared her love of rescued Basenjis (Egyptian hunting dogs) with Ken, which has provided them with great company and comfort.

Though Penny's life included interests and talents, nothing compared to the love she had for her family, especially her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was so very proud of them all and visited those living across the miles as often as possible.

Penny is survived by her husband, Ken, fur babies Josie, Doc and Duke, Daughter Pamela Crotty (Kevin), Grand-daughter Megan Coleman (Russel) and great grandchildren James and Sara, Grand-daughter Beth Newland (David), Daughter Christina Nutter (Dana) and grandsons Forrest Nutter (Megan) and Ethan Nutter. Also survived by siblings Barbie Lund, Suzanne Rhodes (Ron), Merle Preston, Paula Pearce (Ron), numerous nieces and nephews and by bonus children she gained through marriage to Ken: Sandra Crocker, Kenny Turner Jr., and Jeffrey Turner (Debbie).

Penny is predeceased by her parents, first husband Mike, youngest sister Brenda McGrath, nephew Merle Dean Preston, and bonus children David Turner, Teresa Keblis.

Celebration of Life to be held at South Peoria Baptist Church Friday Oct 25, 2024. 9000 W Olive Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345. Potluck to follow. Private ceremonies for internment will be held at the National Cemetery in Cave Creek, AZ at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Basenji Rescue and Transport (Brat Rescue) http://bratrescue.org/ or Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society (https://www.nmcrs.org/) or South Peoria Baptist Church (https://www.spbch.com/give)