Lynda Penrose, beloved friend, comrade and heart of her Snug Harbour, community passed away unexpectedly this past summer, on July 5, 2025. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
A cracker-jack elementary school teacher, talented wildlife photographer, and artiste extraordinaire, Lynda was all about fun, daring to push the envelope with her whole heart. She was a feminist, a retired teacher who worked with underprivileged children and loved every last one of them. She was a mother hen, a confidant, a voice of reason and encouragement to all she met. It is a cliché to say that to know her was to love her but, in Lynda’s case, it was true.
She was profoundly perceptive, fiercely independent and a purveyor of excellent (often unorthodox) advice. Committed to helping those in need, Lynda was a volunteer at the local Hartington Community Caring Second Hand Store. She was a cherished member of that team along with other caring volunteers.
Queen of yard and church sales, her unique finds filled the homes of family, friends and neighbours with one-of-a-kind treasures. They also filled hearts with a sense of being truly seen. The countless presents she bestowed on those around her spoke to the fact that she was always listening and paying attention to what people thought and felt. Yes, these gifts were just “things” but they helped create experiences
Lynda was a fixture in South Frontenac, selling her art, cards and vintage goods at Local Family Farms. An incredible artist, her home was her castle, filled with collections, gadgets, pottery, plants, fabrics, costumes and woodworking.
Her art filled every nook and cranny.
But Lynda herself was really the biggest treasure of them all. A wonderful friend and citizen, she was deeply concerned about the welfare of all people, the environment, and especially animals. Lynda brought her tremendous generosity and bon vivant spirit everywhere she went.
She insisted that, upon her death, her ashes should be unceremoniously thrown in the creek with no memorial. But she also loved breaking rules, and so we’ll break hers a little too. In her honour, do something she did so well – practice your best loon call, defy convention, tip generously, jump in the lake, trawl the yard sales, make art, make someone feel like the most important person in the world.
Then, come along, and invite your friends, to a celebration in her memory: Saturday, November 8, 2pm to 4pm at the South Frontenac Museum, 5595 Road 38 in Hartington.
This is our opportunity to remember Lynda: share fond memories, laugh uproariously, miss her and celebrate a wonderful soul. See you there!
