Obituary of Penelope "Penny" Gail Thomson

THOMSON, Penelope “Penny” Gail Born, April 27, 1944 in Sarnia, Ontario, to Donald and Verdun Thomson, died December 4, 2016 in Hamilton, Ontario. Penny, an only child, was sociable and kind, making friends easily among her work colleagues and neighbourhood communities. Strong-minded, kind-hearted and loyal to her loved ones, she will be greatly missed by relatives, friends and neighbours. Mourning Penny’s loss is her cousin David Holmes, his wife Arlene and their son Michael, all of Calgary, relatives in England, Edmonton, British Columbia and the U.S., close friend Mary Bayne of Toronto as well as Kelly Hagerman of Toronto and Tracy Bayne of Milton, for whom she was a second mother. She graduated from McMaster University, and soon began a career as a senior manager in hospitals, including Director of Housekeeping for Toronto General Hospital. She retired as Director of Housekeeping for Brock University in St. Catharines. Upon retirement, she returned to the heath care environment that she knew well, volunteering at Niagara Regional Hospital up until her final illness. She began her working career in Peterborough, Ontario, living on Chemong Lake for several years where she developed her love of cottage life. During subsequent years living in Toronto, Ottawa, Sarnia and St. Catharines, she frequently rented cottages, sharing the good times with close friends. An avid reader, one-time sailor, art appreciator and antique collector, her greatest joy was her comradeship with a number of well-beloved dogs. In accordance with Penny’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, on Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. with a Celebration of Life held at 3 p.m. during visitation. A private Interment will take place at York Cemetery in Toronto at a later date. If desired, donations may be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.