Audrey Penniman

Audrey Cecillia (Perkins) Penniman, age 86, of Miles Pond, North Concord VT, passed away suddenly, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, on Tuesday August 15, 2017.

She was born on March 16, 1931, in St. Johnsbury, the daughter of Stanley Onley Perkins and Cecillia Erskine Cowden.  She was raised on Pumpkin Hill in Danville.  She graduated from Danville High School in 1949.  After high school, she began her nursing career at Brightlook Hospital School of Nursing, but shortly after the school closed and she transferred to Barre City Hospital School of Nursing in Barre graduating as an RN in 1952.  She also attended the Boston Floating Hospital, studying Pediatric Nursing that year.  She worked at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury until 1972, when it closed, finishing the rest of her career at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury.  She was a nurse for 47 years.

After retirement, she became a Hospice volunteer for Caledonia Home Healthcare Hospice, serving for more than 11 years as a hospice volunteer and receiving the Hospice Volunteer of the year award in 2007.  Her life was devoted to helping everyone, including many special friends on Miles Pond.  She was also a devoted member of the Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury VT from 1954 to present.

After graduating from nursing school, she married Robert Corliss and they had twin sons: Gary and Gregory Corliss.  In 1968, she married Howard Penniman, who was the love of her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, her special “Dad” Wallace Perkins and her husband Howard Penniman.

She is survived by her twin sons: Gary and wife Sharlene Corliss of North Concord and Gregory Corliss of  Bishop, CA; a special step-son Robert Penniman and wife Linda of Jericho; a brother Grant Perkins of CA; Grandchildren: Ian Penniman (Moira), Kyle Penniman, Amie Wright (Michael), Frank Fellows, Anne Knights, Donna Santo (Toby) and Lorie Demas (Shawn).

Other survivors include 9 great-grandchildren: Peydon, Dylan and Delanie Wright; Brandon Whitcher; Serena Knights; Kaylee and Faith Santo; Angelena Kelly and Tyler Demas; and great-great-grandchildren: Brooke, Emerson, Malikai, AJ and soon to be little Braydon.

At the request of Audrey, there will be no calling hours.  A graveside service will be held at the Danville Green Cemetery in Danville Vt. on Saturday August 19, 2017 at 11am with Rev. James Proctor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or a hospice of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.