Penelope Louise (Penny) Walton (24 Oct 1967 - 13 Mar 2023)

In loving memory of Penelope Louise (Penny) Walton who sadly passed away on 13th March 2023.

Penny was born to parents, Alan (Alge) and Lily May Woodcock, in Wolvehampton on 24th October 1967. She had a happy childhood, growing up in Pensnett. She often spoke of her holidays as a child in places like Anglesey and going away in the caravan, often being taken to ancient burial mounds and other historic sites.

At school Penny was an excellent student, attending Pensnett High School, where she became Head girl, before moving to King Edwards, Stourbridge to study her A levels. She moved on to Wolverhampton University to study Applied Sciences, graduating in 1989, before completing her Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

Penny's teaching career included Thorns School in Dudley, Wodensborough School, Wednesbury and Aldersley High School, Wolverhampton, where she was Head of Science.

Penny met Craig while working together at Wodensborough before getting together in 1992. They married in August 1994 and moved to Wall Heath and immediately welcomed Rascal, the first of three black labradors from the Labrador Rescue South East and Central, into their lives.

Craig and Penny loved travelling together, including many holidays in Europe before discovering the joy of road trips in America. They've been to most of the iconic places in the USA, including Yellowstone Park, the Rockies, Mount Rushmore and most of the American Civil War sites, which was a particular interest to Penny.

Anyone who knows Penny will know of her love for animals, and dogs in particular. Her constant companions, Rascal, then Buddy, and finally Logan being the centre of her life for the last 30 years. Penny loved to support the Labrador Rescue, attending the annual Dog's party and running many races to raise funds for the charity.

Running became one of Penny's main hobbies for several years. She ran many 10K and half marathons before running the Stratford Shakespeare marathon and the London marathon, raising several thousand pounds for her favourite charities.

In recent years Penny loved to bake, sew and crochet. Her gorgeous cakes are legendary among her family and friends. Penny spent lots of time sewing for fun. She loved making her own dresses, as well as for friends, making robes for their visits to Harry Potter World. She put these skills to good use working in the wardrobe department for productions at the Rose Theatre. Since being diagnosed with cancer Penny taught herself how to crochet. She loved creating blankets and toys, donating many of these for charities, as well as for gifts.

During the COVID pandemic Penny and Craig invested in their small motorhome, Obi Van Kenobi, This allowed Penny to travel all over the country for the last year or so. Her favourite holidays being the beautiful Northumberland coast, the historic sites along Hadrian's wall and several visits to Anglesey and Snowdonia.

During her last few months Penny was looked after by the wonderful staff at Mary Stevens Hospice, Stourbridge. Penny passed away peacefully on 13th March, 2023.

Penny's funeral will take place 2.50 pm on Friday 21st April, 2023 at Gornal Crematorium. The wake will follow at The Dudley Arms, Himley.

Dress code: Please feel free to wear traditional black or something more colourful. Penny would just want you to attend and feel comfortable.