Penelope Balgley

Born in Coldwater, Michigan on December 19, 1942, to Dr. William Joerin and Helen Lucinda Crow Joerin, Penelope (Penny) Joerin Balgley grew up in Michigan with her older brother, Bill. She enjoyed life in Michigan, Chicago, Virginia, New York, and Maryland. Penny graduated from St. Luke's Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago as an RN and became the head ICU nurse at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.

Penny married Michael Joseph Balgley on April 24, 1971, and together they raised three children: Brian (Carol); Katherine (John Casey); Annemarie (Jason Reed). Penny and Michael have four grandchildren: Eleanor Balgley, Andrew Balgley, Dylan Reed, and Ashley Reed. Among her many volunteer experiences she was an avid gardener for the Central Park Concervancy in NYC, and later became a Master Gardener in Maryland, making frequent presentations on behalf of Save the Bay and creating rain gardens. She thrived on growing flowers and vegetables of every sort. Cooking and cuisine were two of her favorite pastimes. She served on the Board of the Mid-Shore Symphony Society in Maryland.

Penny was sustained and loved by her devoted caregivers who admired her for her kindness, generosity, and strength. After a lengthy struggle with cancer, with her husband and sisters-in-law by her side, she passed away in Trappe, Maryland on Wednesday, September 10 at her home within easy view of Leonard Cove, her favorite spot. Per Penny's request, there will be no services.

Penny is survived by her husband Michael, her brother Bill, and all of her children and grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all.

In Penny's memory, plant a tree or a perennial.