Susan Webb Penn

Susan loved her family and friends dearly. She had a curious mind and a wonderful zest for life. Her love of learning was evident throughout her life. She embraced the French language and shared that passion with generations of students, teaching French at Broad Ripple High School, North Central High School, Howe High School, Boulder High School, IUPUI and Butler University.

Susan’s curiosity and love of history also led her to become a historic tour guide. She gave historic tours in Aspen, Colorado, and at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

From a young age, Susan's father took her to her first symphony. He recorded in his journal that taking her may have been a mistake as he was worried that her love of music may interfere with her studies. Susan developed a lifelong love and appreciation for the symphony. Music, history, language, and learning remained important parts of her life.

Susan also loved playing bridge, often enjoying the game at the Indianapolis Bridge Center and the Coral Ridge Yacht Club Bridge Club. She was equally proud of earning her Golden Age Master certification from the American Contract Bridge League and receiving the “wooden spoon” award from the Coral Ridge Yacht Club Bridge Club—a testament to both her competitive spirit and her wonderful sense of humor.

She and her husband, Paul, were avid snow skiers and sailors and shared a remarkable life filled with adventure. Susan was known as the “idea person,” while Paul was the implementer—a partnership that turned many of their dreams into reality.

Among their many adventures together, Susan and Paul embarked on an extraordinary journey aboard a large sailboat, sailing around the world. Their love of travel, sailing, and adventure created memories that Susan carried with her throughout her life.

Susan and Paul also believed deeply in giving back and supporting causes that they felt would make the world better for all. Their charitable giving reflected their broad interests and generous hearts, supporting the arts, education, medical needs, veterans, and organizations caring for animals.

Susan is survived and lovingly remembered by her son, Paul Edward Penn, Jr.; her brother, David Webb; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Holloway Webb and Anne Webb; her beloved husband, Paul Edward Penn, Sr.; and her sisters, Annabelle and Georgia.

Susan will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, kindness, adventurous spirit, love of learning, competitive spirit, generosity, and devotion to the people she loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories and a legacy of love and giving that will remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Services

Visitation will be held at Leppert Funeral Home – Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Leppert Funeral Home – Nora Chapel on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Covington, Indiana.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Indianapolis Foundation, Inc., to be added to the Susan and Paul Penn Endowment Fund, 615 N. Alabama Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.