Margaret Penelope Lanier
Obituary
March 11, 1948 – May 26, 2023
“….and until we meet again”
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Penny, beloved wife, mother, Nana, friend, legend. Surrounded by her family, Penny passed away on May 26, 2023, in Seattle, Washington.
Penny joined the party on March 11, 1948, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Born to George and Margaret O’Driscoll, she was the oldest of five siblings and took great pride in her Canadian and Irish roots. She marveled at the memories of living on a quaint street lined with large maple trees, eating her favorite butter tarts, ice skating, and cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs every hockey season.
In 1967 at the World’s Fair in Montreal, Quebec, she crossed paths with the love of her life, Larry Lanier, a Coast Guard Academy Cadet from the United States who was sightseeing with friends while on a weekend pass. After a wave, smile, and hours of conversation, they exchanged mailing addresses. After a five-year long-distance courtship, they married in 1972 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Credit, Ontario. They began their married life together in Miami, Florida where Larry was stationed, and soon began their family.
As a military wife, she quickly learned how to keep things in order. She had three daughters, born in three different states, and although years apart….she managed to give birth to them on three consecutive days. Her first child, Amanda Shannon, was born on March 16th. Her middle child, Allison Margaret was born on March 15th, and the baby of the family, Lindsay Susan Lorene, was born on March 14th. Penny’s humor was as unrivaled as her timing.
Penny had a gift for writing and obtained a degree in Journalism before attending nursing school while concurrently raising three small children. Her deep reverence and appreciation for all things living made her an incredible nurse for 30 years. She offered everyone she knew genuine friendship regardless of one’s life situation, pedigree, or prowess. She loved all creatures, great and small, and one of her greatest contributions to this world was rescuing multiple abandoned animals. Most recently, she found purpose in supporting a non-profit animal rescue, “Project Freedom Ride”. We have no doubt that a long line of happy animals greeted her at the pearly gates.
After retirement, Penny had the opportunity to do great things. She was able to visit the countries where her family originated: Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain, and her dream of calling Amelia Island, Florida her home for part of the year came true. Her family was blessed to spend this past spring with her at the place that brought her so much joy.
The chapter in Penny’s most fulfilling life was being a Nana to her 8 grandchildren, who were the absolute light of her life. Caitlin (who shared her birthday), Brian, Alden, Ava, Addison, Anderson, Clara, and Amelia adored their Nana. She is woven into the very best parts of them with every book they read, each rose they smell, every recipe they try, every animal they save, every underdog they root for, and every stranger they befriend.
Penny is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Larry, daughters Amanda and Allison, daughter Lindsay and her husband Jacob, grandchildren (above), sisters Judy (Guy) Betsy (David), Susan (Mark), sister-in-law Lynn, sister-in-law Randi, nieces Stacy, Jennifer, Jenny, Caitlyn, nephews Arron, Scott, Jason, and Brandon. She is preceded in death by her father George O’Driscoll, mother Margaret O’Driscoll, father-in-law Adonis Lanier, mother-in-law Mazie Lanier, nephew Sean Patrick, and brother Michael O’Driscoll.
All are invited to a funeral service on Thursday, June 15, at 12 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church located at 30525 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, Washington. A reception to celebrate Penny’s life will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a non-profit animal rescue of your choosing.
She left many friends and family saddened by her loss, but comforted by the memory of special moments and her undying friendship. To say she will be missed is an understatement.
An Old Irish Blessing
May the road
Rise up to meet you.
May the wind
Be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And rains fall soft
Upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Mom, I miss you more than I ever thought possible. So many times in the last week I have thought to myself “I have to tell Mom about this” and every time the realization that I can’t takes my breath away. I love you forever.
Rest In Paradise Penny 🙏🏼 Till we meet again…. 🌹❤️ Love Belinda and CJ.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during the days ahead. I wish we lived closer so I could give each of you a great big hug. Just let your mother’s “song” keep playing in your hearts ….. keep singing it to your children and grandchildren so that it’s never forgotten. My love to each of you’
The beauty and meaning of your life can’t be summed up in mere paragraphs, but we tried Momma.
You were a force and your departure has left a hole in our hearts. Love you forever and ever and ever.
XO,
Lindsay Lou
So sorry for your loss.she was a special person as you all know
My heart ♥ and prayers for all of you.Ria
On behalf of the Lowndes County High School Class of 1965, of which our friend Larry was a member, we extend our sincere condolences for the loss of such a wonderful woman as Penny surely was. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers, and may you find solace in the days to come.
Linda Sykes Moseley, LCHS Class VP
Larry, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Larry, Sorry I never met Penny. I hope your family is at peace as your wife is.
Tony Mink
Larry,
My sincere condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Our hearts are filled. Love and prayers to all.
Lanier family,
There is nothing harder than the loss of a loved one. Penny was so special and I will never forget her devotion to help animals, her quick wit, and love for her family. Her kindness and all of yours made me feel like part of your family growing up. I hope that the memories of her life will soon lead to smiles and laughter, along with the tears and heartache. My thoughts are with you during this time.
To Larry & Family
So sorry for your loss please accept my condolences.
Larry and Family, so sorry for your loss.
Dave Belz
Larry, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Larry
May the Lord’s comforting presence and grace comfort your family as you celebrate Penny’s life today.
Chuck (Charlie) Brown
Larry and daughters, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved wife and mother. Our hearts go out to you. We will keep Penny and you in our prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto Penny, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.