Virginia “Ginger” May Penman, of East Tawas, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 2, 2023 with her loving husband and daughter, by her side at age 82 years. Ginger was born in Tawas on May 1, 1940 to the late Richard Lee and Beatrice Evelyn (nee Case) Price. She graduated from Tawas Area High School with the class of 1958.
On October 3rd, 1959, Ginger married her high school sweetheart, Donald Penman. They were married for 63 years sharing life’s experiences, creating beautiful friendships, and finding the best out of life’s journey. Known affectionately by Don as “the Flower,” Don always provided his bride with a freshly cut or hand-picked flower. A simple heartfelt gesture that displayed his devoted love for Ginger.
Ginger’s working career included being a Bell Telephone operator, a US mail carrier, and many entrepreneurial adventures including founding the business of Uncle Winnies in the 1970’s. They purchased and restored the historic “Liberty Building” in the 1980’s. Over the years they purchased and restored many properties. Ginger was gifted with an innate talent for interior/exterior design that she used while envisioning decor and layout schemes for all their endeavors within the Tawas community that she loved.
During her encounters over the years she always respected each person that crossed her path as one of God’s children. As called to do, she went to great lengths to ensure those unfortunate were taken care of with many of her actions unknown to others. Ginger was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic church. She enjoyed reading books and magazines, playing card games, traveling to fun and new destinations. And she loved to spend time with family and friends.
Ginger has left a sadness in her parting, but the devotion she gave as a wife, mother, and grandmother will carry on in the hearts left to remember her legacy. Ginger is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Penman of East Tawas; 3 children, Scott (Annie) Penman of Tawas City, Toni (Scott) Lehr of Stony Point, North Carolina, and Gordon (Mandy) Penman of Stony Point, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren, Linda, Charlotte, Amber, Vincent, and Rick; 3 great grandchildren, William, Evelyn, and Matthew Clark; sister, Patricia (Richard) Price Simpson; sister-in-law, Kay Price; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Ginger is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Bob Price. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Messages of love and support may be shared with Ginger’s family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com. Those wishing to express their condolences are encouraged to consider a donation in Ginger’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Compassus.
