Barb Penny, 77

Our community mourns the loss of Barbara Ellen Penny of Three Rivers, MI who passed away from heart failure on May 14, 2024, at the age of 77.

A resident of Three Rivers since 1969, Barb was known for her honesty, care, strength, independence, and vigor for life. She was a vocal advocate of those who faced adversity and a true woman of service. Barb, who lived independently with her four cats, Patches, Smoke, Spot, and Socks, was a woman who exuded gratitude and service her entire life. In retirement, her wardrobe of Life is Good attire and festive hats became an outwardly expression of her zest for life.

Barb was born July 21, 1946, in Kalamazoo. She graduated from Loy Norrix High School, spending a summer in Sweden as a Student Ambassador from Kalamazoo. She continued her post-secondary education at Western Michigan University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority during her undergraduate years at WMU.

Barb dedicated forty-two years of her life as a teacher at Three Rivers High School. She touched the lives of many students and colleagues with her passion for education. Her grammar and attention to detail were impeccable and her heart for people was immeasurable. She coached the cheer team and facilitated the student council. She stayed in touch with many former students until her passing.

Outside of her career, Barb enjoyed sending greeting cards to her many friends and family for every and all occasions. She actively served her community in a multitude of capacities throughout the years. She was a Girl Scout Counselor at Camp Merriwoode where she played the guitar and sang with campers around the campfire. She was a member of the annual Make We Merry production and an active cast member of the Three Rivers Community Players. Her earliest role was in 1991 when she played the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Her most recent role was in December 2023 when she represented several voice characters in A Christmas Carol-A Live Radio Play. Annually, Barb read The Night Before Christmas during the Three Rivers Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Barb has been a proud member of the Lions Club since 2005 where she served as District Governor in 2016 and 2017. She also continued to work part-time at WLKM/WRCI until her passing. She had been on staff with WLKM/WRCI since the early 80s where she began as a disc jockey hosting an oldies and request program using the name Jan Richards. She wore many hats as a neighbor, teacher, coach, sister, aunt, friend, and volunteer. She donated generously to causes close to her heart such as the Three Rivers Hospital, Watershed Voice, the Lions Leader Dog Program, and the Three Rivers Promise, just to name a few.

Barb is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Hazel Penny, her father, Peter Penny, her sister, Lori (Penny) O’Connell, and her brother-in-law, Chuck Nesbitt. Barb is survived by her sister, Mary (Penny) Nesbitt, her brother, Bernie Schroeder, nephews, Dean (Amy) Nesbitt and James O’Connell, her niece, Maureen O’Connell, great nieces, Kaelynn and Hadley Nesbitt, and a great nephew, Cohen Nesbitt.

A Celebration of Life for Barb will be held at the Three Rivers Lion Club. This event will take place on July 13th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a nonprofit organization that aligns with Barb’s values. Donation envelopes will be available for the Lions Leader Dog Program and Three Rivers Promise. Barb’s four cats are being received by Kitten Fostering and Adoptions, Centreville, MI.

Barb will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, advocacy, and dedication to serving her community will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. Barb would want us to always remember to do what you love and love what you do because life is good.