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.