Obituary

  Carol Penza, 51, passed away Nov. 27, 2004, at home in San Luis Obispo, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Grace Church in San Luis Obispo.
  Carol was born Nov. 7, 1953, in Chicago, Ill., to Timothy Edward and Roseanne Hanley. She was the second of six children. Beginning in grammar school, Carol was always active in student government and cheerleading. She graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School, where she was captain of the cheerleaders and Homecoming queen. Carol received the De Sales Award, the high school's highest academic honor. She received several other awards and scholarships.
  Carol worked 30 hours per week and graduated with honors from Illinois State University with degrees in both elementary and special education.
  Two weeks after Carol graduated from Illinois State, she married Mark Penza, her college sweetheart. They made their home in Normal, Ill. Carol gave birth to Justin Michael Penza and Arian Marie Penza. In 1982 they moved to the Central Coast of California. Carol taught kindergarten, and second and fifth grades.
  Carol spent the remaining years of her career as the director of Johnson Avenue Preschool in San Luis Obispo.
  Carol was passionate about her life, her career, her family and her spouse. She taught us to live and love in the moment, knowing tomorrow was never a guarantee.
  Carol is survived by her husband, Mark; son, Justin Michael Penza of San Luis Obispo; daughter, Arian Marie and husband John Macari of Atascadero; granddaughters, Miranda, Alexis and Molly Ann of Atascadero; brothers, David of Chicago, Billy and family of Atascadero and Ricky and wife Tony and family of Redondo Beach; and sister, Cathy of Arroyo Grande.|
  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Terry, in 199
  A heartfelt thanks is extended to Dr. Tom Spillane and his staff, Bestcare, and Hospice Partners of the Central Coast.
  Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Carol has also requested that any flowers purchased be sent in her name to the maternity wards of either Sierra Vista or French hospitals of San Luis Obispo.
(2004)