STEVENSON: Penelope Leigh

Penelope Leigh Stevenson passed away suddenly at her home on May 20, 2020 in London, Ontario.  Predeceased by her parents, Dr. James A. F. Stevenson and Joan (nee Shouldice) Stevenson.  Penny is survived by her siblings, Dr. Skai Stevenson, Squamish, Alix Stevenson (Dr. Donald Neal), Goderich, Cate Stevenson, Perth and Margot Stevenson, London.  Also survived by nieces and nephews, Kristen Beechey (James), Erica and Peter Stevenson; Mackenzie, Ryerson and Geneva Neal; and Victoria and Connor McCalden; and by greatnephews Ryan and Thomas Beechey.  Also survived by cousins Rick, Roy and Cam Shouldice and Pat and Vicki Collison.  Penny was born in Calgary, the first child of Joan and James.  She spent her early years in New Haven, Connecticut where her father was in graduate studies at Yale.  In 1950, the family (now with brother Skai) moved to London, Ontario where the Stevensons became members of the University of Western Ontario community.  For the next four years, Penny and her brother delighted in being together at their idyllic home in the rolling farmland outside of Byron.  As the family grew, an Old North London residence became home and the next number of years were busy and fulfilling ones for Penny.  She attended Miss Matthews School on St. James St. as well as Ryerson Public School, then on to Central Collegiate where her favourite subjects were English and Geography and where Penny took pride in donning her official blazer as a student staff member of the library.  As well as taking regular horseback riding lessons, Penny was active in the London Pony Club.  Attendance at the annual fall hunt of the London Hunt Club to view the amassing of the beagles was an event not to be missed.  Indeed, the family beagle Nero was Penny’s constant companion and the apple of her eye.  Other pastimes included bicycling up the tree-lined drive of St. Peter’s Seminary, skiing at the London Ski Club and tobogganing down UC hill at UWO.  On Sundays Penny and the family would attend services at St. John’s the Evangelist where her devotion to religious study began.  With friend Becky Woodside, she continued to study the bible over her lifetime.  In her adult years, Penny enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members of the Department of Pharmacology, UWO where she worked as a lab assistant.  Penny had an encyclopedic knowledge of events and dates, particularly when it came to members of the Royal Family.  She could rhyme off the date, including day of the week, of family birthdays and historical events with ease and accuracy.  Penny had a keen interest in current events
and politics, was an ardent viewer of CPAC and would often correspond with Canadian political figures of all degrees of infamy.  She held strong views and would articulate them freely.  Her directness was at times startling but refreshing.  As many who knew her have said, Penny had a kind heart.  Even Canada Post was a beneficiary of her kindness: she liked to affix extra postage to support their hard work.  As a 30 year resident of her condo community, Penny warmly greeted her neighbours daily and formed friendships with many, especially Cathy, Chris, Bob, Theresa and Patty at the condo and Fhilia at Swiss Chalet.  Penny will be deeply missed by her family and friends and leaves us with cherished memories of her generous spirit and warm kindness towards others. A memorial event will be held at a future date.