Penny Brant

Penny Young Brant, age 88, passed away at her home surrounded by her five Ks on March 14, 2014, reuniting with her beloved husband of 37 years, Erik Brant. Born December 31, 1925 in Glenfield, NY, Penny was preceded in death by her siblings, Marion and Charles. In 1947, Penny graduated with her Bachelor's Degree from Potsdam State University, NY, being the first in her family to graduate from college. She began teaching on Long Island, NY and soon thereafter, Penny's life was forever changed when she opened the door to be greeted by a handsome young tanker recently returned from the World War II European Theatre. Penny and Erik were married in 1950 and began their journey together on Long Island, NY and continued to flourish in Potsdam, NY for many years before making a home in Greenhills, OH in 1971. They made many wonderful friends in Greenhills through couples bridge, community activities, and as parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. In 1989, Penny retired from the Greenhills School District, finishing a career as an educator which spanned 35 years and included teaching grades K-8, tenure in a one room schoolhouse, mentoring student teachers, and earning her Master's degree from Miami University of Ohio. In retirement, Penny's days were often brightened by visits from former students. She also spent her days enjoying books, knitting, spending time with dear friends, attending The Covedale Theater, Showboat Majestic, The Cincinnati Pops, canning her famous pickles, and completing the daily crossword and Jumble. In the last 12 months, Penny was especially pleased to have traveled the United States to visit former Alpha Delta sorority sisters, many good friends, distant relatives, and all of her five Ks and their families. It only took a brief meeting to be inspired by Penny's warmth, her humor, her love, and to become a lifelong friend of which she had many. Penny is survived by her children, Kelly (Pingping) Brant, Katie (William) Hamilton, Kristen (Dean) Baum, Karen (Jan) Tomanek, and Kendall (Susan) Brant and her grandchildren, Ryan, Erika, Krista, Steven, Emily, Kelly, Erik, Katherine, Duck, Penny, and Deems. Friends may visit at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pike, Springdale on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 17 Farragut Rd., Greenhills at 10:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.