Arlene L. Penney

Arlene L. Penney September 25, 1923 - September 21, 2015 The Reverend Arlene Penney, age 91, of St. Augustine, Florida and formerly of Summitville, New York passed away on September 21, 2015. A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Arlene returned to college at the age of 62 to pursue her dream of becoming an ordained minister. She attended Wesleyan Theologian Seminary in Washington, D.C. where she earned A's and B's. She was proud to boast about this accomplishment to her children that were currently enrolled in college. As a pastor for twenty years, she served many churches throughout the New York Catskill Region including Ridgebury, White Sulphur Springs, Philmont, Mamakating, Fosterdale and Hurleyville. She was admired by her parishioners for her ability to weave together current news and scripture for a meaningful and interesting sermon. After retiring to St. Augustine, she continued ministering for the First United Methodist Church serving in an outreach capacity and visiting with members who were sick or had limited mobility. An accomplished woman with many interests including gardening, baking, sewing and crocheting, she was involved and served in a leadership capacity in numerous civic organizations including the Wurtsboro Historical Society, Mamakating Ambulance Corps, Ladies Aide Society, Women's Society for Christian Service, and was named to the Honorary Roll of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Summitville Fire Department. Her home was a welcome place for frequent gatherings of family and friends and a lucky place for the many dogs she adopted. Guests were guaranteed a good cup of coffee and home made dessert. Arlene was known for her sweet tooth and was often spotted riding her bike with her children to the near-by custard stand. An avid genealogist and historian, she traced and chronicled her family history through the Puritan settlements of New England back to the royal houses of Europe. Two branches of her family have direct lineage to the time of Charlemagne and one descendent is portrayed in the painting "Embarkation of the Pilgrims" by Robert Weir displayed in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Arlene Lois Shimer Penney was born in Middletown, New York on September 25, 1923. Her parents Irma Louise McKee and Harold Thomas Shimer were both from prominent families in the Town of Mamakating and raised their children in the Village of Wurtsboro. She was one of five siblings: the late Donald and Lloyd Shimer. She is survived by her brother Harold Shimer and her sister and best friend Gale Angelastro. Her greatest joy in life and proudest achievement was the raising of her five children Lynn, Larry, Frank, Laura and Brian. She delighted in sharing news of their accomplishments and interests. Her home was adorned with family photos of her beloved children. She is survived by her sons Larry, Frank and daughter Laura. She had nine grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews. Donations in her honor can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 118 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 or your local Animal and Welfare League. A Celebration of her life will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday September 28, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Pat Turner-Sharpton officiating. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.