A life well lived. More than just a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, Penelope Kurowski was a gardener, a pianist, an actress, and a bright light that drew people with her movie star good looks and charming banter. She left us on September 21, 2022. Born in Springfield, Ohio, she was the daughter of Florence and Howard Miller.

She is survived by her daughters, Kellee Byrd and Tami Newman (Gregg Newman); her sister, Anna VanCura; her grandson, Anthony Byrd; two nieces, Ana Reinert (Bob Adkins) and Victoria VanCura Rutland (James Rutland); nephew, Anthony Reinert (Kassandra Hanchett); and a great- nephew, Aiden Rutland. She is also survived by many cousins.

Penny worked as the Executive Meeting Planner at Wausau Insurance Company and later as Documentation Officer supporting NASA missions at Marshall Spaceflight Center, Huntsville, AL. She and her late husband, Robert J. Kurowski, built a beautiful home on Keel Mountain in Gurley, AL. where she loved growing flowers, playing her piano and hosting family gatherings. Penny loved the theater and performed many roles in Springfield, Ohio, and with Wausau Community Theater in Wausau WI. Including leading roles such as Titania in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” Crystal in Clare Luce Booth's “The Women," as well as supporting roles in dozens of other productions. She also was featured as the White Queen in “Alice in Wonderland” with Ballet Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN.

Her zest for life and sense of humor will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Be sure and listen for her laughter! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Penelope Kurowski

December 17, 1939 - September 21, 2022

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