Carolyn M. Penwarden – 79 – of West Lake Rd, Hammondsport, NY (Keuka Lake) and Bradenton, FL died Tuesday afternoon (May 17, 2016) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness.

Born in Hannibal, MO on June 16, 1936, she was the daughter of William & Dorothy (Simpson) Harding SR.

Carolyn grew up in Hannibal and was a graduate of Hannibal High School (class of 1954). Following graduation from high school, she enlisted in the US Army where she served her country from 1954 – 1956. While stationed at Ft. Riley, KS she met her future husband, Brent Penwarden who was also serving in the military. They were married on May 22, 1956 while still serving in the US Army.

They resided in Buffalo, NY for several years while Brent attended the University of Buffalo School of Medicine. After serving his medical internship in the US Army at Fort Benning, GA, Carolyn & Dr. Penwarden returned to Buffalo while he served his residency at EJ Meyer Memorial Hospital from 1962 – 1965.

In 1965, they moved to Canisteo where he began his private practice and working at St. James Mercy Hospital and Bethesda Community Hospital. For several years Carolyn was a “stay at home” mom and was kept busy raising their family. In 1973, Dr. Penwarden moved his practice and family to Hornell. For the next 26 years, Carolyn helped in the daily operation of his medical office.

In recent years, Carolyn lived at their Cottage at Keuka Lake during the summer months and in Bradenton, FL during the winter. She was a member of the Keuka Yacht Club and in her younger years loved racing sailboats and in recent years simply enjoyed “cruising the lake.” Carolyn also enjoyed sewing & crocheting and in years past liked to get together with friends to do a little “clogging.” She was an avid bowler and throughout the years bowled in several bowling leagues. Carolyn and her husband enjoyed traveling and had traveled to many locations such as Spain, Scotland, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas. She had been a member of the Hornell American Legion and in recent years she had been a member of the Hammondsport Harvest Baptist Church.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Brent Penwarden who died April 26, 2010; her brothers, William Harding III and Leslie Harding.

Surviving are her children, Brent (Ann) Penwarden III of Fairport, Lynne (Bill) Cardamone of South Daytona, FL, Bronwyn Penwarden of Port Orange, FL, Alison (Joe, Jr) Frissora of Binghamton and John (Melissa) Penwarden of Enola, PA; one brother, Terry (Joanne) Harding of Connecticut; 8 grandchildren, Brent Penwarden IV, Michael Cardamone, Carolyn Grunder, Joseph Frissora III, Anthony Frissora, John Michael Frissora, Ian Penwarden and Maeghan Penwarden; several nieces & nephews.

At Carolyn’s request there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hammondsport, NY.

Friends are invited to join Carolyn’s family for a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday (May 21, 2016) at 12:00 (Noon) at the Keuka Yacht Club, 12890 West Lake Rd., Hammondsport, NY (Keuka Lake).

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Carolyn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the VA Hospital Activities Fund, 76 Veterans Ave., Bath, NY 14810.