Visitations:

Visitation Thursday May 21, from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Spaulding & Curtin Funeral Home, 500 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale.

Service:

When you watched Penny walking down the street, you could tell she was a woman of purpose who probably didn’t have time for any of the nonsense one might throw her way. You might hear her speak on one of her favorite topics and think, “This woman is sharp.” You might even be intimidated. There were countless ways the world could witness the enormity of Penny, but that was just the surface. Getting to know Penny was like walking into a curio shop with the kinds of complicated and winding aisles you could spend years exploring. She could be incredibly tender. She could make you feel as if you were the only person in the world. Your stories the most important. Her approach to life was pragmatic, yet she reveled in the adventurous and the beautiful. Her style was impeccable and unique. You knew a gift was from her by the pristine wrapping, and the flatteringly thoughtful object within. Her curiosity knew no bounds, leading her to several interesting careers in the most interesting cities, as well as many creative and skilled hobbies. If you have a piece of her stained glass work, count yourself lucky. 

While it might not have been how she initially envisioned her life, Penny made parenting her central role. She held her children with a ferocity that evoked awe. Her pride, her love, her everything poured into the mold of her two children. They both grew to be fully formed adults with kindness, integrity and a little bit of her grit. As if that wasn’t enough, there are many children from that age who can attest that if one was brought into her house, and they responded to her special brand of mothering, they would soon find themself an honorary adoptee. For life. She had a special place in her heart for young adults. Deeply appreciating and celebrating the precipice of life upon which they stood. She created a safe place for them all. 

For those who loved her (and there are so many of us), she was indispensable and irreplaceable. No one will be able to skirt the empty space she once filled without noting and honoring her absence. 

Kathleen Penny Macaulay neé Reade was born November 30, 1941 in Detroit, MI, died May 14, 2026 in Saint Clair Shores, MI. After struggling with some untenable and debilitating medical issues, she chose to place herself in hospice, where she lived out her remaining days surrounded by people who loved her dearly. Penny is survived by her daughter Meredith (Evan) and her son, Reade (Gwen). She had four grandchildren, Edward, Gavin, Fin and Bennet. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward.