Penelope Smith Bolen
Penelope Smith Bolen “Penny”
Age, 66
Atlanta, GA
DOB: 10/22/1945
Date of Death: 10/26/2011
Penny was most at home in her garden. She found great joy in cultivating the earth, tending to her plants, knowing when to plant and when to prune. Her nurturing extended beyond the garden; she loved teaching music to the young children at her church – instilling in them an appreciation for the gift of song. Penny practiced and taught yoga for decades – introducing her students to holistic and meditative healing methods. And she nurtured her family and friends. Penny was known for her gift of the written word, and spent time sending thoughtful, heartfelt, and hand-written notes to those she knew needed encouragement, praise, and comfort. Penny found great joy in loving on and caring for her granddaughter Adelyn, to whom she will always be known as “Nonni.”
Penny fought her battle with ovarian cancer with dignity, optimism, and grace. She died October 26, 2011 at the age of 66, surrounded by the friends and family she had nurtured through the years; Wednesday was their turn to nurture her. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Decatur First United Methodist Church Saturday October 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
Penny is survived by her beloved husband John Bolen; daughters Alexis Schaaf and husband Mike, and Melissa Heffner and husband Jim and daughter Adelyn; sister Rosemary Lewis and husband John; and her mother Florence L. Smith.
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To the Bolen Family,
We are so saddened by the loss of Penny and cannot imagine your grief. We hope that time and faith will bring you comfort.
We will miss seeing her warm smile and hearing her lovely voice on Sundays. Our family was one of the many beneficiaries of her encouragement. She always took the time to say something kind, particularly about our children. They were small gestures, but they meant a lot to us.
John, I remember meeting Penny at the Bolens’ home the Christmas they took me in as a guest. It was a huge family. But Penny greeted and talked with me, made me feel welcomed and one of the family. Kindness is never lost. I remember her generosity. With love, Sally
John and family, We are saddened to hear of Penny’s passing. We will be thinking of you particularly Saturday we are out of town. We remember Penny’s many talents and friendliness at DFUMC and even Paideia-Decatur games!
My heart is saddened with the news of Penny’s passing. She was the sweetest person. I first met her when I enrolled in a yoga class at Tucker Rec Center. Many years later we spent more time together at Plantation South Assisted Living Facility where both of our mothers resided. Penny always had a smile and pleasant word. Since both of our mothers dined at the same table, Penny was always engaged in conversations with my Mom and treated her with kindness and compassion.
My thoughts an prayers are with her family.