Penny Susan Allen

Penny is survived by her brothers, Leigh Myers (Jill) and Cam Myers (Eleanor), her daughter Kimberly Allen as well as many loving nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Mable and Kay Myers.

To sum up Penny’s life in only a few paragraphs would be an impossible task – but one we’re still willing to try. Penny was born to Mable and Kay Myers in Edmonton, Alberta on the bright and sunny day of March 20th, 1952. Penny grew up in the small community of Sherwood Park. Her favorite sports were playing softball, basketball and bowling. She loved to annoy her big brother and play the piano. She became a very accomplished pianist and taught many other kids in the park. Penny was known as a bright student throughout her academic years and was involved in many activities including being class president of the first graduating class of Salisbury composite High School.

After high school, Penny did a brief stint in university studying the fine art of bridge playing and wine consumption. In 1972, Penny and a close friend departed for Europe with only a backpack, her hair curlers and a couple small journals. She went on to travel several European countries over the course of 6 months and met countless people along the way. Some of her favorite destinations were Greece and Morocco. She slept on rooftops in Greece, and in a tent in the Moroccan desert.

Not long after she returned from Europe, she met her future husband, Murray Allen. She fell hard and fast for the tall dark and handsome charmer. The two were married in 1974 and then moved to Vancouver. The following year they bought their home in Calgary. This is where Penny would build the life she wanted. Murray departed the marriage in 1980 shortly before Penny gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Kimberly.

Penny and Kimberly were an inseparable team from day one and Penny adored being a mother. She made sure Kimberly had a great childhood, surrounded by family, friends and lots… and lots of laughter!

Penny would go on to work for Pan Alberta Gas for the next 17 years. A job that would not only build her career in the Oil & Gas Industry but would also give her a whole other network of great friends that became family! Penny was known as a “go getter” in the industry and was relied upon for many skills and attributes. When she left Pan Alberta she opened her PAllen Consulting business and worked for many other companies on contract, continuing to make friends and allies until she retired in the 90’s. Penny was involved with both the Women’s Energy Network and Administrative Assistants Association for many years. She participated full heartedly in United Way activities, even dressing up as a bumble bee for a fundraising event.

Penny loved organizing, people, events & traditions. She created her Theatre Group, which turned into 30+ years of fun going for dinner & a play at Theatre Calgary. Penny started a lunch hour card group that evolved into much more. It became Card Night where the girls gathered at Penny & Kimberly’s house once a month for years to enjoy dinner & canasta. They rotated each month with someone bringing an item. Dinner, Dessert, Wine… and a freebee. Tracking who was on what item each month was right up Penny’s alley! Penny decided that the card girls should do Christmas gift exchange, she coined it “Make it, Bake it, Sew it, or Grow It”. This phenomenon became one of Penny’s favorite Christmas activities. Her annual Christmas Cookie Swap, was second to none! The rules were simple. Bring 144 homemade cookies, all of the same kind. Then…. SWAP! Everybody gets a dozen of each kind of cookie. Penny was relentless about this activity. Break the rules… and you’re out! A laughable authority.

Penny was also widely known as “Auntie Penny” to not just her nieces and nephews, but to most of her friends’ kids as well. A title she wore with honor and pride. She was a “professional auntie”. Sparing any time or expense to do auntie stuff with all the kids in her life.

Penny lived a great life. She created deep, meaningful and lasting relationships and maintained them. She took her career to heights nobody expected all while raising a successful woman, virtually on her own. She lit up every room she walked into and put smiles on people faces with just a glance. Her laugh was infectious. Her humor was dark, dry and witty. And her heart was far too big for her frame.

Contributions can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada in Penny’s memory.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 17th, 2023, at South Calgary Funeral Centre at 1:30 pm with a reception to follow at Penny’s favorite restaurant, The Park Kitchen & Bar in Quarry Park.