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I first came to know Penny Paulley through Old Mission Women’s Club, a charitable organization on the Old Mission Peninsula that was founded in 1933 and continues to this day.
Penny always had a smile and a kind word for me, and like so many women in the club, she radiated wisdom and warmth from a life well lived and well loved. Having a home health care business, she was especially helpful when my mom, Mary Johnson, was starting to show signs of dementia, and we made the decision to move her to Orchard Creek Assisted Living for the remaining years of her life.
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My mom was good friends with Penny’s mom, Bonnie West, and I remember riding in the car with Mom to Bonnie’s home on the west side of the Old Mission Peninsula to pick up or drop off things – likely for Old Mission Women’s Club. What a blessing to live in a community where Bonnie’s daughter and Mary’s daughter became friends in a club that *they were in 60 years earlier.
Here’s the membership list from the 1967-1968 season…
I am thankful for the friendship that Penny and I nurtured through Old Mission Women’s Club — and if you found yourself at her table, you knew a good laugh was in your immediate future. I hope her family can feel the peace and love that her friends are sending as she passes from this world to the next.
Here is Penny’s obituary from Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
Penelope Chrisman Paulley
1940 – 2025
Penelope Chrisman Paulley, affectionately known as Penny, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at the age of 84 in Traverse City, Michigan. Born on December 29, 1940, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Penny lived a life full of love, laughter, and a deep commitment to her community and family.
Penny’s journey in life was marked by her dedication to caring for those in need. As a registered nurse, she spent countless hours tending to the sick and offering comfort to those in distress. Her passion for care led her to establish the Crystal Penny home care service, a venture that touched many lives in the community.
She was a member of the Daughters of the King of the Episcopal Church. Her commitment to her community was further exemplified through her active involvement with organizations such as PEO, the Old Mission Women’s Club, and the Old Mission Congregational Church. Penny also hosted “Stitch & Bitch” gatherings, where she enjoyed conversation and humor while keeping up with what was going on.
Penny’s sharp wit was legendary. She had a way of making everyone laugh with her cutting/direct sense of humor. Her warmth and caring shone through in everything she did, from cooking delicious meals to offering help whenever it was needed.
Penny was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Bonnie West, her brother Robert West Jr., and her husbands, Daniel Martin and Damon Paulley. She is survived by her loving children, Philip and Wendy Martin, Granddaughters Savannah and Laura, Great grandchildren Reign and Ronin, along with her cherished cats, Rafiki and Sadie.
A memorial service celebrating Penny’s life will be held at the Old Mission Congregational Church, located at 18687 Mission Road, Old Mission, MI 49673, on April 26th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to an animal charity of your choice in Penny’s honor.
Another memorial service will be held this summer at her home. The date and time is not yet set.
Penny’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, community, and a well-timed punchline. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.
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Penny cared for our Grandmother and our Mom, and dear friends Helen and then her daughter Molly. I know the community will miss her so much, and we’ve always been grateful to her. Thoughts and prayers for all of her friends and family. ♥️🙏