Penney Lynn Gavigan

Penney died….
(She thought this was a hilarious way to start…)
Penney was born on November 11th, 1954 in Clinton, Iowa to Ernest and Roberta Wernick. Penney moved with her family in 1969 from Iowa to Traverse City, where she spent the rest of her life. She graduated in 1973 from Traverse City High School, then attended Northwestern Michigan College. She then worked for the Grand Traverse Police Department as a dispatcher.
Penney's most rewarding years were spent as a loving mother and working for the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District as a Special Needs Teacher's Assistant. Penney was awarded "Teacher of the Year" in 2018 for her outstanding services. Penney treated all her "kids" with dignity, respect, and love.
Penney made a friend in every place she would go, from sharing drinks with the mayor and chief of the fire department in a random town in Iowa, to dancing on the top of a bus before a Lions game in Detroit. Penney would take her time to talk to anyone who needed a listening ear and loving heart. Penney always had a hug to give, some fun (or trouble) to bring, and the best homemade jam for everyone. Penney's heart, humor, compassion, and fun-loving spirit are unmatched. And will not be forgotten.
Penney is survived by her daughter Kelley Gavigan, and her brothers and sisters Leatha Keith, Robin Wernick, Marty Wernick, and Erna Beard, with many loving nieces and nephews, and so many amazing friends.
Services will be conducted by our dear friend Kasia, Kelley's fifth grade teacher and Penney's mother's caregiver at TenderCare. Kasia presided over Penney's mother's services and we are now honored that she has agreed to preside over Penney's services as well.
Visitation will take place on Friday August 26, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place on Saturday August 27, 2022 at 3:00pm with visitation from 2:00pm, also at the funeral home.
Those wishing an expression of sympathy may choose to contribute to either TBAISD Special Education or Special Olympics Michigan in Penney's honor.