Obituary of Penelope J. Bieler

Penelope J. Bieler, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. passed peacefully on December 19th, 2008 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, CT. Known as "Penny" to her friends and family, Penny was born on September 20 1933 in Portland, ME. She was the daughter of Barbara M. Steitz and her husband, Albert E. Steitz Penny grew up in Cranford, NJ and spent many summers with her Grandparents, Walter and Laura Sterling on Peaks Island, ME. After graduating from Madison High School, Penny spent several years working for White Laboratories in Kenilworth, NJ. It was there, in 1956, she met her husband, and the love of her life, George. They lived in New Jersey, and moved to Australia and then Canada as part of George's work with Chesebrough-Ponds. Penny and George loved traveling and were fortunate to travel throughout the world, creating life-long friendships. In the early 1970's, Penny and George settled in Darien, CT where they raised their family. Penny was devoted to volunteering. She helped with several local charities, including Stamford Hospital and Meals on Wheels. She was active in fundraising for her children's schools and their athletic activities. Penny also loved playing golf and tennis. She enjoyed crafting hooked rugs and reading. Penny was predeceased by George with whom she shared 49 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Robyn Ryle of Litchfield, CT and her sons Jeffrey W. of Milford, CT and Andrew C. of Darien, CT. Penny has a sister, Judith Slattery of Lyman, ME, and brother, Scott Steitz of Saco, ME. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to a service at Talmadge Hill Community Church in Darien, CT on January 10th 2009 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., Hartford & New Haven Connecticut Office, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457 or the American Lung Association of Connecticut, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820