Penny Lee Bozych

Penny Bozych, 71, lost a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease on Nov 7th at her home in Standish, Maine. By her side were her sister and nephew who were inspired by the strength and courage she showed in her final days and moments. Her love for life was apparent, and she will be sorely missed by those who knew her well. Penny was born in Westbrook, Maine to parents Joseph A. and Christine B. Champagne where she attended Westbrook Schools and graduated from Westbrook High School. She was the second eldest of the 7-member clan of Champagne siblings known to many in Westbrook and surrounding areas. As an elder sibling, she helped her late oldest sister Linda in the care of her younger siblings. She maintained that nurturing role throughout her life, always lending a hand, an ear, advice or motivation to her family whenever needed. As an employee and worker, Penny was strong and highly valued for her impeccable work ethic. She worked her way up to manager at Child World retail store in Portland where co-workers loved her for her positive, cheerful attitude and her ability to get things done. She brought those qualities to Toys R Us in South Portland where, after many years, she retired as Assistant Director of Operations, alongside her dear friend, Director of Operations, Doug Mixer. Never content staying idle, after retiring Penny kept busy and helped out at her local convenience store in West Newfield. Penny made many lifelong friends at these positions that she tried hard to keep in contact with. These relationships were of great importance to her throughout her life and she never stopped asking about or caring about the many people she knew during her career. Penny had a strong sense of adventure. She loved travel and outdoor activities. Shortly after high school Penny traveled to the Pacific Island of Guam, then later to California. A naturally vibrant and energetic woman, she loved hiking and discovering new trails. Twice, her sister Tammy and she walked the National Heart Association charity walk. Penny enjoyed cruises, first cruising around Casco Bay on yearly outings with co-workers from Toys R Us, then later many far-flung destinations with her Late husband, Tim Bozych. Among Penny’s favorite things were horror novels, having read nearly all of Steven King’s and Dean Koontz’s most popular works, cookouts and celebrations of which she was always happy to attend or host and frequently could be seen or heard laughing and having a merry time, and good food including Mexican, Italian, and powdered doughnuts. She loved fancy old-time women’s hats and the Transformers movies. She loved her dachshund, Tyson and little cute dogs in general. Penny never met a gnome she didn’t want to keep. Her favorite singer was Cher, her favorite drink was a mimosa and she could not pass a Dairy Queen without stopping for a Blizzard. Penny loved to smile and laugh and crack up hysterically even during the worst of her illness; her smile and sense of humor was loved and looked forward to by all her caregivers. She enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach. She loved dearly her beloved late husband, Tim, who she never stopped crying for. But without any doubt, her greatest love was for her children and grandchildren. Never was she more relieved, overjoyed, content, pleased, happy or serene then when her kids were around her. They meant everything to Penny. Penny Bozych is predeceased by her husband Tim Bozych and her sisters Robin Champagne and Linda Jackson. She is survived by her children Brian Coffin and Corinne Ferrante; grandsons Taylor Ferrante, Austin Arsenault, and Jeremy Whynot; granddaughters Alexis Coffin and Emma Murphy; great grandsons Raiden and Elias; brothers Steven Champagne and Mark Champagne; brothers-in-law Dennis Jackson and Robert Wadas; sister Tina Wadas and her sister and caregiver Tammy Champagne; many nieces, nephews and extended family; and cherished friends Doug and Roxie Mixer, Sally Deering, and Dawn Meggison. The family would like to thank Tammy for her selfless dedication to her sister Penny’s care and well-being. Penny was lucky to have you and we’re forever in your debt. The family would like to acknowledge Northern Light Homecare and Hospice of South Portland Maine for exceptional care and support over the past year. You helped make her last months comfortable and worthwhile. Thank you very much; we are grateful. Penny absolutely loved to laugh and smile and crack up whenever possible and with that in mind, the family has decided to have a Celebration of Life to honor her on December 2nd at 2 pm at The Pine Tree Estates event building/office, 580 Ossipee Trail (Rt 25) Standish ME 04084. Penny was adamant that her experience with Parkinson’s Disease be used to help others and further Parkinson’s research in some way. To that end, in lieu of flowers or gifts please send any donations to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation Website: www.michaeljfox.org Phone: 1800-708-7644 Email: donations@michaeljfox.org

Penny Lee Bozych

March 1, 1952 - November 7, 2023