WATERTOWN – Pendleton “Penny” Riordan, of Watertown, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 8, 2021. She was 60 years old.
She was born in Bitberg, Germany, on June 2, 1960, to Warren Sams Jr. and Elizabeth Sams. The daughter of an Air Force man, Penny spent much of her childhood relocating to different Air Force bases, which encouraged her ability to make fast friends wherever she went and call new places home.
Penny graduated high school in Enterprise, Ala., in 1975, where she was very active in drill team, ROTC, and the school newspaper. Penny was a graduate of the prestigious Georgia Tech. She was a lifelong Yellow Jackets fan and was extremely proud of her alma mater.
After college Penny married, became a mother to two girls and in 1994, a final move to Connecticut would be where she raised her children and lived out her life.
Penny was animated, smart, and beautiful and had a passion for travel, adventure and new experiences. She loved history, trivia, and putting her competitive nature on display. This included on the golf course, where she spent most of her summer afternoons.
She loved to travel and was lucky enough to have a very accomplished career as a consultant that allowed her to explore the world and share her one-of-a-kind spirit with people.
Penny enjoyed cooking and sharing her love of music with her children. There was nobody she loved more than her two daughters, until those daughters made her a grandmother.
Mimi, as they called her, found joy carting around her “magic bag” filled with games, puzzles, and sticker books to all of her grandchildren. When she was not with them, Penny spent her time at home sewing twirl dresses for her granddaughters and making plans for future trips to Paris with them.
She was a proud American with strong political views. Penny lit up a room with her smile, and willingness to dance, sing a little karaoke and entertain a crowd with her piano skills.
Pendleton was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Elizabeth. She is survived by her daughters Jennifer and Rebecca; and grandchildren Grace, Amelia, Libby, Violet and Sonny. She is also survived by sisters Kathy and Devon; brother Warren; and dog, Betty.
Calling hours will be at Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St., Watertown, Saturday, Feb. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. A small service will take place at the conclusion and a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Woof Gang Dog Rescue: woofgangrescue.org.
For additional information or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit hickcoxfuneralhome.com.
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