Penelope Rae Best

Mrs. Penelope Rae Cowden Best "Grammy," 67, of Frederick, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Penny was born Nov. 30, 1942, in Peoria, Ill., the daughter of the late Floyd and Louise Cowden. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Ronald C. Best for 48 years; loving mother of Carolyn (Kevin) Kolega and Ronnie (Errika) Best; devoted grandmother of Nicholas, Brennan, Joseph and Jakob Kolega and Colin and McKenna Best. She was the loving sister of Kathy (Larry) Steele and Bob (Debbe) Cowden; and sister-in-law of Pat (Barb) Murray, Kathy (Tom) Lowe, Mike (Trina) Best, Dawn Christine McDermott and Patrick (Eileen) Best. She was a devoted aunt to numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend to Cherie Romane. She was preceded in death by a sister, Connee (Pat) Murray on July 17, 2001; and loving aunts, Mary and Margy Cowden. Penny graduated from Alleman High School in Rock Island, Ill., and attended Marycrest and Hood colleges. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church for 39 years and served on the Altar Society and as a volunteer at the school. She also volunteered on the Frederick Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was generous with her time and energy caring for elderly relatives. Her role as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was always the joy of her life. As a homemaker, she was a gourmet cook, talented seamstress and accomplished decorator. She loved gardening, antiquing, traveling in Europe and the United States with her husband and family, and spending time with her family. The warmth of her home reflected these many interests and talents, her faith, and her love for her very lucky family. Penny gave love and support to all her family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, at Keeney and Basford, P.A., Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, at St. John's the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 E. Second St., Frederick. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Frederick Memorial Hospital Patient Assistance Fund, 501 W. Seventh St., Frederick, MD 21701 and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting KeeneyBasford.com.