Penny Wells Knight

After an active, mutifaceted lifetime, Penny Wells Knight passed away May 5, 2014, at Peconic Landing in Greenport. She was 81 years of age. 

Penny graduated from Kent State University with a master’s degree in education, serving briefly as an instructor there following graduation. She soon succumbed, however, to the promise of adventure in the sky, joining United Airlines as a flight attendant. Despite her love of the airborne lifestyle, responsibilities attendant to marriage and family ultimately led her to leave United, not to return until some years later as an in-flight passenger service supervisor, based first in Honolulu and then in New York.

Penny and George Knight, her second husband, maintained their home in Port Washington and, subsequent to George’s retirement in 2003, in Peconic Landing in Greenport. Their choice of the latter location was strongly influenced by a love for the North Fork and adjacent waters, gained from many years of summers sailing in the area.

Penny was spirited and adventurous by nature, always ready for a challenge. She particularly delighted in cruising aboard the family’s 36-foot sailboat and also in choral singing. She was a member of Peconic Bay Masterworks Choir, Long Island Sound barbershop chorus and other local singing groups. Penny had also participated in many musical productions while living in Port Washington.

Above all, Penny was dedicated to the welfare of her family and supportive of them in their times of need. She was immensely proud of their achievements.

Penny is survived by George, her husband of 32 years; four children from a prior marriage, Pamela Deese, Jameson Wells, Trish Fishel and Jennifer Santelli; her sister, Mary Beth Thomson; and eight grandchildren.

Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. Following cremation, a memorial service celebrating Penny’s life was held May 12 at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, Va.

This is a paid notice.