Denise Weiss
I knew Penny at Miami University. She was in my freshman dorm. Holly, Penny, Kak, and Sally became fast and devoted friends there. I was a bit of a fifth wheel, but I was drawn to their intellect, humor, and sense of adventure. We remained friends all four years. They told Penny she should be glad her parents didn\u2019t make her middle name \u201cLincoln-set-the-slaves\u201d (Free). Before our junior year, the 5 of us set off on a trip out west. We drove from Cleveland to Elkhart to pick up a truck her parents agreed to let us borrow. There I met her large and wonderful family. We picked up Sally In Illinois and set off. We camped in tents and in the truck. We visited Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, then worked our way north. We had such an adventure. I still have photos and still tell my grandkids stories of that trip. Our parents had no idea where we were going, and frankly, neither did we. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever felt such freedom again. Penny truly had a magical personality. Not only did I want to be her friend, but I wanted to be her. She was gorgeous, funny and so, so smart. She embraced life with her whole essence. It was plain to see she would live an incredible life. And in reading her obituary, I see she did just that. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I felt it would never be possible for her light to go out. I am grateful for all she added to my life and for the rich and loving life she experienced. I expected nothing less. Denise Bassi Weiss