Penney Phyllis Gierke

She was predeceased by her parents Mayme (Jacobsen) and Howard Gierke, twin brother Rodney (Shirley) Gierke and survived by brothers Dewey (Helen) and John (Lesley Williams) Gierke and nephew Eric Gierke.

Following graduation from Garden High School, Penney worked in food/dietary services at the Abbot House in Highland Park, Illinois for a number of years before moving to Vulcan where she worked until retirement at Pinecrest Medical Facility as director of dietary services. Upon retirement she moved back to the family home in Fairport.

A lifelong member of the Fayette Congregational Church, she served as church clerk and assisted in the preparation for the annual Lord’s Acre Auction. Her other interests included traveling, golfing, cooking, keeping up with TV soap operas, with an occasional trip to the casino. She spent many hours on the phone checking in with family and friends. Her great sense of humor, combined with her direct response to questions made any conversation a treat. She negotiated life on her terms, but always with a big loving heart that truly cared for the people in her life.

Funeral services will be held at the Fayette Congregational Church on Thursday, November 2, with visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Following the committal service in Sac Bay Cemetery a time of fellowship will be held at the Fairbanks Town Hall. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Penney’s name in support of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospice Care would be most appreciated. Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.