Cheryl Lee Pennell

It is my sad duty to announce to the world that my life partner, Cheryl Lee Pennell (Cheri) has passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Cheri never cried or said “why me,” she faced most days with tremendous strength and humor.  Cheri was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Pennell, father Daniel Pennell, brother David Pennell, sisters Shirley and Esther Bump, Cheri is survived by her life partner Nancy Coen, brothers Terry Pennell (Helena), Daniel Pennell (Diane), Scott Pennell (Annabell), sisters Nancy Dallas, brother Chuck Learn, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Cheri's life started in the small town of Killbuck in upstate New York. After graduating from high school Cheri joined the Air Force and served for 4 years, and with luck on her side, two of those years were served in Hawaii.  When Cheri left the Air Force, she started a lifelong career in Human Recourses. Cheri became a member of a women's educational gay rights organization in the 1980's (S.C.W.U.) Southern California Women for Understanding. Cheri held many positions in SCWU including President of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter. It was during this time that Cheri met Nancy Coen who later became her life partner for over 37 years. As a result, she gained an extended family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of whom loved her dearly.  Cheri was loved by all that knew her and will be missed by all.