Penny A. McFarland

Chesterfield, VA. Penny A. McFarland, formerly of Old Saybrook, Connecticut and Bar Harbor, Maine, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 27th with family at her side. She was born August 4, 1944, to Walter Nichols and Bernice Marie Leach. Penny spent her life caring for the elderly, first as a CNA, and then as a Recreation Therapist. The kindness and concern for her “ladies” and “gentleman”, as she called them, was evident to all her residents, their families, and those who worked with her. Penny raised her five children to be strong, loving, passionate, hardworking, kind, and giving people. She believed that her greatest gifts to the world were her children, especially her daughter Jennifer. She was determined to protect and make a path for Jennifer in this world. Penny was fiercely compassionate and fought for the underdog at every turn. She always had something to give to anyone in need, even if it meant she went without. She was most often described her by family and friends as “the strongest person I know”. Penny had a quick wit and a boisterous laugh that could fill a room. She was an avid reader and always had a book in her purse in the event she had a moment to open the cover and slip into her story. She loved baking Christmas cookies, her daily crossword puzzle, quilting, sewing, gardening, and the beach at Cornfield Point in Old Saybrook.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Elaine Manetho, and is survived by her five children (and spouses): Robin Freeman (Michael), John Gibson (Lisa), Deidra Gilligan (Jim), Jennifer, and Megan Lorenz (Ryan); her grandchildren, Michael Freeman Jr. (Rachelle Freeman), Makayla Freeman, Paige Esposito (Peter), Ryan Gibson, Nicholas Gibson, Ryan Gilligan, Joseph Gilligan, Benjamin Gilligan, Caitlin Neal, and Jack Neal; and great grandchildren, Michael Freeman III and Evelyn Freeman. She leaves behind so many dear friends, nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend and “partner in crime” of 55 years, Sharon Somers. In many ways, the Somers family is a second family to Penny and her children.

A memorial service will be held in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations in the name of Penny McFarland in support of Jennifer Gibson and her friends at the Special Olympics: (800) 380-3071.