I wish my first diary here were of a happier nature.
We lost a friend last night - Barb Penny, wife of former Congressman Timothy J. Penny (D-MN-01).
15 months ago she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and secondary liver cancer and told she had just 6 months to live. Being Barb, and thus just a wee bit stubborn and determined (but always gracefully so), she stretched that out into 15 months.
In those extra months she spent time with her family, celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary, saw her first grandchild born, and continued her work with the local arts center and several other community and church activities. Just ten days ago she accepted Waseca's award for Service Above Self.
She died at home last night, surrounded by family.
She will be missed by many who valued her great heart, kindness, and caring; her sense of humor, and her outspoken nature.
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