LETT; ‘Penny’ Sherryl Erin (Penny) Lett (nee Carpenter) unexpectedly passed away Monday, March 4, 2013. Born in Ottawa, ON, April 3, 1946, Penny was the daughter of the late M. Gen Frederick Carpenter and Kathleen Grover.
Penny leaves behind the love of her life, Brian Snook; her daughter, Julia Lett-Harrison (Noah) and grandson Kenyon of San Antonio, Texas. Penny will also be much missed by Brian’s children: Sky (Michael) and Josh (Jennifer); and his father, Glen Snook.
Penny is survived by her stepfather, Stanley Grover (Beverley); sister, Jacqueline; brothers: Rick (Ann) and David (Cathy) of Ottawa; as well as her half-brothers Jack of Kingston and Freddy (Kathy) of Gatineau and half-sisters Gillian (Jim) of Ottawa and Kingi of Toronto. Penny was predeceased by her beloved uncle and Godfather Craig Carpenter, and leaves her dear aunt Norah Carpenter in Ottawa.
Penny worked at the Chilliwack Progress newspaper as a reporter for 22 years, a profession that made her a well-known, popular member of the community, particularly through her long-running column, “Penny for Your Thoughts”. Penny enjoyed her job as a reporter, whether it was interviewing politicians, celebrities, seniors, teens or members of the fire and police departments. Through her work Penny was invited to become an honourary member of the Bongo Boy Band. Penny’s love of music began at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa when she sang with the folk band “The Collegiates.”
In her retirement, Penny turned her considerable creative talent to artistic pursuits with the devoted support and encouragement of Brian. These included interior decorating, garden design and landscaping, and a broad range of arts and crafts such as quilting, knitting, painting wall murals and making jewelry. She found particular pleasure in creating hand-crafted gifts, such as her trademark ‘Penny Earrings’, for her many friends. Of Penny’s many accolades and awards, she was especially proud of her commitment to Canadian Blood Services, donating blood 125 times.
Brian brought out Penny’s adventurous side and in recent years the pair happily travelled together to tropical locations, soaking up the sun.
Anyone who knew Penny also knew of her love for cats. To that end, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made attention to Penny’s good friend “Eileen Drever,” B.C. SPCA, 1245 East Seventh Ave., Vancouver, B.C., V5T 1R1. At Penny’s request there will be no funeral, but a Memorial Tea will be held in Penny’s honour at 1:00 p.m. March 9, 2013, at Henderson’s Funeral Home, 45901 Victoria Avenue in Chilliwack.