Hermia E. Pennington
December 29, 1915 - August 7, 2004
Obituary
Hermia E. Pennington
Born December 29, 1915 in Onaga, KS; died August 7, 2004 in Des Moines, WA at the age of 88 years. She was the daughter of Herman F. and Emma M. Tessendorf. Graduated from Onaga High School in 1935. Hermia worked for Palace Clothing Co., then later worked for a Glider Manufacturer during WWII. After the war she worked as a Micro Film Processor for Remington Rand Corp. Hermia married Victor L. Pennington July 31, 1949. The family relocated to Des Moines, WA in 1967 with the Boeing Co. Hermia retired as the nursery supervisor for the Des Moines United Methodist Church. She was a charter member of the Puget Sound Dahlia Assoc., and also a member of the United Methodist Women’s Assoc., The Chrysanthemum Society, Children’s Orthopedic Hospital Guild, and the United States Marine Corps MAG 25 Spouses Assoc. She was affectionately known by the young and old alike as the Flower Lady of Des Moines. Her memory will be carried on by her generous sharing of her flowers and bulbs throughout the community. Hermia is survived by her son Victor Pennington, II of Des Moines; grandchildren Nicole Pennington of Des Moines and Johnny Bartlett of Lake Forest; numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband Victor L. Pennington, Sr., sister Pearl Wright, and her dog Jasmine, a faithful companion and friend. Visitation Wednesday 2:00 – 8:00 PM at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd. SeaTac 206 242-1787. Commemorative Service Thursday, August 12th at 10:00 AM at Des Moines United Methodist Church, 22225 9th Ave. S., Des Moines. Memorials to the King County Fire District #26 Aid Fund, 2238 S. 223rd St., Des Moines, WA 98198.
We will miss Hermia very much but know she is in heaven with Vic and the rest of her family. She will live in our hearts forever.
Love to all the family.
I had the pleasure of visiting Aunt Hermia as an adult several years ago and it was fantastic to hear her stories and go through old pictures with her. As a child you are too busy to sit down and do these things. As an adult you appreciate and cherish them forever. I will miss you Aunt Hermia. I take comfort in knowing you are at peace. Vic, I am sorry I cannot be there to share in your grief. I will be there in spirit and my thoughts,prayers and love are with you always.
Victor we love you, and eventhough we are far away
our hearts are with you.
Lots of love,
Maria, Karla, Monica & Duane
Hermia was a family member to us. First she took care of our 3 children in the nursery. Then she and my mother became friends. Hermia was a volunteer at the Des Moines Food Bank for me, and when she had extra vegetables from her garden, she always brought them over to share with the Food Bank Clients. Her flowers were an icon to see on a daily basis in Des Moines, as well as being able to purchase them for events at the church from her. When we lost Vic, she seemed so able to just pic up and carry on so well. She will be as missed as Vic was when he passed on, but she will live on in our hearts forever. We look forward to the days we are all reunited with them in heaven.
Victor & Nicole:
My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hermia will be dearly missed but I have all the wonderful memories of she & Vic and all the beautiful dahlias we grew together. She will live in my heart forever.
Vic and Family–At a time like this there is a sorrow for which no heart could ever be prepared, however I know your fond memories will sustain you forever. Marilyn
Special thoughts of my loving friend Hermia, who is just a prayer away. Memories of her kindnesses and her flowers will live within our hearts. Her love and caring for the children in the church nursery for many years, leaves fond memories for me. We shared many happy moments. Nichole, you were a special joy in her life, always in her heart and thoughts. She always referred to Johnny as a cute little feller. In our many conversations Vic, she spoke of you with a special love that a mother has for her son. She was so proud that you were a fireman and especially proud of your life achievents. She also spoke affectionately of Tina and Sue. She cared so much for family. Peace, Love and Blessings to all her precious life touched. Wanda
With love to Aunt Hermia, we say goodbye. We know that we will again see her in heaven with Uncle Vic. Aunt Hermia was always a special person in my life. I loved seeing her just about every Christmas. Uncle Vic, Aunt Hermia and Vic would come down for the holidays and we always had a great time. I remember seeing her 2 or 3 years ago at Easter and I thought to myself, that I was so happy that my wife and kids were able to finally meet her. Aunt Hermia: Rest in Peace now. Vic: You are in our thoughts and prayers, as always.
Love, Mike, Carmen, Jimmy, Ian and Laycee
Dear Vic and Nicole –
My sincerest sympathies to you. Loss is so hard. Though I did not know Hermia well, I could tell you two meant so very much to her. I will remember all the times she would come to the fire station and wait in Vic’s office until he returned from a meeting or a call. And sometimes, it was a long wait! Peace to you both during this time. Kirsti
Hermia will never be forgotten. I learned a great deal about life from her. She took care of me as a child, and I in turn, took care of her granddaughter. The Pennington family holds a very near, dear place in my heart, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I have had to know them, and to have been part of their lives, as well as have them be part of mine. I look forward to the day we all get to be reunited with Vic Sr, and Hermia, in a better, more beautiful place. My love to you all. ~Jeanne~