Penelope "Penny" Kay Wilson

Penelope "Penny" Kay Wilson was a woman of "a little sugar and a little spice." Funny, generous, creative, and occasionally feisty, Penny had a remarkable ability to make those around her smile and to feel her love.

Born January 6, 1948, Penny grew up in Blue Grass, Iowa, and later lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, before returning to Iowa in the early 2000s.

Although Penny lived with developmental and physical disabilities, she never allowed them to define her. With determination and the encouragement of those who loved her, Penny lived a life defined by possibilities, not limitations. She enjoyed the independence of having her own home, took pride in working, developed lasting friendships and embraced opportunities to travel and experience new adventures.

Penny never met a stranger she didn't like. She loved painting, needlepoint, shopping, and giving little gifts she affectionately called "prizes." Family was Penny's world, she cherished every holiday, birthday, and family gathering. She shared an extraordinary bond with her nephew Scott and his wife, Toni, who encouraged her independence and celebrated the life she built. Scott was undeniably her favorite person, and no one could make her laugh quite like he could.

Penny was preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Stock; her stepfather, Elmer Stock; her father, Jack Wilson; and her brother, Jon Wilson.

She is survived by her nephew, Scott (Toni) Wilson; her brother, Tom Wilson; her sister-in-law, Pauline Parks; her great-nieces, Jennifer (Harry) Hitchcock and Brittany (Alex) McFarland; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and Steve, Karen, and Jayson Newton.

Penny's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lutheran Living and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

Penny spent a lifetime giving little treasures to the people she loved, but her greatest gift was never something she could buy, make, or wrap. Penny loved with her whole heart. For those fortunate enough to be loved by her, that was her greatest gift of all.

Visitation for Penny will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026 at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, 614 N. Main Street, Davenport. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery, Buffalo. Memorials may be made to Empowering Abilities (former Handicapped Development Center).