Penelope ‘Penni’ Powers
November 15th, 1938 - July 5th, 2024
Penelope ‘Penni’ Powers passed away on July 5th, 2024 after several battles with cancer. She was 85 years old. She was surrounded by a multitude of loved ones throughout the day on July 4th in Ontario, family came from all over the country to bid her farewell; she kept asking “How many people are here?” and “You're all so beautiful!”. She was a rock who strove more than anything to keep rolling on!
Penni was born on November 15, 1938 in Lufkin, Texas to parents Ernest Percy Bartlam and Virginia Elizabeth Newsom, Episcopalian Minister and Well known Artist, respectively. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Roger and Keiki, her prior spouse Robert, her daughter Elizabeth, and survived by her prior spouse Philip, her spouse Debra, daughters Gretchen, of Crescent city, CA. Gina, of Escondido, CA., Caroline (Mark) of Chehalis, WA., sons Paul (Tara) of Riverside CA., and Matthew (Megan) of Prescott, AZ. In addition, seventeen grandchildren, three great grandchildren with another on the way, and a host of long-time friends.
Penni grew up largely on Maui where her father had a church. Along with raising her four girls, she worked as a telephone operator in Michigan (she had the best voice ever for that). That was followed in California where she was praised to be “The best and funnest School Bus driver ever!” for 10+ years. She went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA., while still raising six children. Her career in Social Services lasted 23 happy years, while she also ran a Tax Service business from home. She had many talents and never stopped learning and trying new things.
Penni could do the ‘hula’ dance, which she loved to show off, and for years, her grass skirt was fought over for Halloween dress-up! She loved gardening, camping, scrapbooking a multitude of books, cooking, painting, traveling the world from China to England and in-between! She was a ‘force’ who made friends everywhere, and if you spent time with her, it was as if you were the most loved person in her life. She just made everyone feel special to her!
Services will be held on August 17, 2024, 1PM at Christ Church Parish Episcopal Church, 1127 N. San Antonio Ave., Ontario CA 91762. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church, possibly to plant a magnolia tree in the church garden in her honor.
We will miss you always Momma.
