Penny L. Garsik

On November 22, 2021 Penny Garsik of Stow finished her work here and was reunited with her beloved friends and family in Heaven. Penny will be remembered for her loving heart, giving spirit and devotion to her friends, family and faith.

Penny was born in Brooklyn, raised in Long Island, New York and still wore her slight accent with pride. She married her grade school sweetheart Warren when she was 19 and they moved to Stow in the 1970's.

Penny spent the next 45+ years making her mark on all the people in town. It's hard to go anywhere in Stow and not meet someone whose life was touched by Penny!

Penny raised two children and was, without a doubt, the best mother they could have asked for. There wasn't a game she missed or school production she didn't attend, while also caring for her husband through his ten-year battle with ALS. Penny made every day an adventure for the kids and their friends - including trips to the circus, white water rafting and arguably the best homemade Oreo ice cream. Even as they entered adulthood, she was a constant support, always championing their efforts and giving them strength and courage.

In the last few years, Penny used her kindness, knowledge and empathy to help many families work thru the challenges of at home health care. Her latest venture included volunteering at the COA, which was perfect for her social personality. Penny once famously said she didn't want to visit the mall because she'd have to talk to all the people sitting alone on benches. When it was pointed out she could just sit quietly and not ask a stranger about their woes she was genuinely surprised and said "Well, I couldn't do that!" Her kindness and selflessness truly knew no bounds, even when it came to strangers at a shopping mall.

Penny was always prepared to fight the good fight, in particular for the rights of women. She was an advocate and role model for strong women everywhere, never missed an opportunity to vote and was overjoyed to see a woman in a leadership role in the White House during her lifetime. You'll recognize her granddaughter around town wearing the numerous Kamala Harris and RBG shirts proudly procured by her grandmother.

Penny was curious and driven and determined to grow and change with the times. Her love for any person or animal facing challenges set an example of empathy for all.

Penny leaves behind a large group of loving friends and family who will miss her deeply. Her life will forever be celebrated and remembered by her family including beloved sister Lydia, brother-in-law Bill, and niece Suzanne; and her children - son Tyler and grand-dogs Mater and Lucy, of Clinton; and daughter Lindsey, son-in-law Matthew, best friend and granddaughter Elliot (4 years old) and grandson Hugo (born November 24, 2021), of Stow. Her friends are too lengthy to list in entirety but her family wants them to know that their love and support over the last few weeks has been immeasurable. In particular, the wonderful group of friends from the Emma's breakfast club.

Everyone who remembers her is asked to celebrate Penny's life in their own way…an extra cup of coffee at Emma's, a quiet visit to the swans at Delaney or a vanilla ice cream at Ericksons come springtime would be a fitting tribute.

Due to restrictions, the family will be holding a private burial on Tuesday. A celebration of life is planned for the spring, where we can all gather in love and memory of this incredible woman.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask for a memorial donation to the Stow COA be made in Penny's name. Penny was very proud of the work the COA has done, particularly thru the pandemic, and would be honored to help them continue their efforts.