Penny Best
Our beloved mother and grandmother, Penny Best (nee Miller) died on October 17, 2024. Penny is survived by her daughter, Amber (Brian Belles) Best and her four grandchildren as well as her sister Cathy Kielau. Penny was born in 1949 to the late Lloyd Miller and Charliece Miller (nee Raudman.) She was raised in a small home on the banks of the St. Joseph River in the rural town of Constantine, Michigan. She was the eldest of 4 children.
As a member of the Constantine High School class of 1967, Penny’s unmistakable beauty, intelligence and creativity were recognized at an early age. She was proudly seated as first chair clarinet and was selected to also play the oboe and the bassoon. Her outstanding academic achievements earned her a scholarship to study at Western Michigan University where she would be the first of her family to attend college.
Penny settled in St. Joseph, Michigan for many years where she raised her family. She later enjoyed the great adventure of moving to Singapore and traveling extensively throughout southeast Asia. She greatly enjoyed learning about the different cultures and experiencing all of the different cuisines. After a brief return to Michigan, Penny moved to the Philadelphia area to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Having her close the past ten years was a gift her daughter and grandchildren will forever cherish.
Penny was vibrant and charismatic. She was endearing and sweet. She was witty and creative. Those that knew her will remember her beautiful warm smile and giving nature. She was selfless and gracious. She was fashionable and fun.
Penny was an endless resource of knowledge about all subjects. She never forgot a detail of the things she learned and was always eager to help her family and friends with projects. She loved to learn about cultures, music, food, books, crafting, home decor and much more. She became an expert at everything she tried. She could arrange and decorate a room as well as any photo in Architectural Digest. She learned to sew her own clothes and handmade each of her daughter’s Halloween costumes. She created personal and exquisitely decorated birthday cakes and desserts. She was a self taught gourmet cook who could whip up a Michelin star worthy meal in her own kitchen. One of greatest joys was entertaining. She could throw a party like none other. From the theme to the table setting to the food – everything was always extraordinary.
Above and beyond all her wonderful traits and hobbies, the greatest passion in Penny’s life was her daughter and her 4 adoring grandchildren. She never had a conversation where she did not mention her deep love, admiration and pride for them. She was everything a person could ask for in a mother. Her love was so deep, so accepting and so completely fulfilling. Near or far, it was impossible not to feel her love and acceptance. She will be so greatly missed. We will cherish her memory and forever see her as an inspiration to be as gracious, kind and giving as she was.
Relatives and friends are invited to Penny’s Memorial Service Friday 11/8, 11am at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland, PA 19075. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Penny’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.
