Penelope Lehman, affectionately known as “Penny,” passed away in her sleep at her home in Riverside, CT on Friday, October 21 at the age of 82.
Born April 21, 1940, Penny was the first daughter of Lt. Peter G. Lehman and Peggy Rosenbaum. She was the granddaughter of Herbert H. Lehman, the Governor and Senator of the State of New York and his wife Edith Altschul. Following the tragic death of her father during WWII, her mother remarried Richard Korn, founder of the Orchestra of America. Her beloved Pop was a caring stepfather who greatly influenced her passion for the arts. Raised in Manhattan, Penny graduated from The Nightingale-Bamford School in 1958, and then attended Bennett College and finished her schooling at Parsons School of Design. After college, Penny married and moved from Manhattan to Riverside where she would live the rest of her life. Active in her community, Penny devoted herself to many non-profit organizations. For thirty years she delivered Meals-on-Wheels; she served on the board of Hill House for 26 years and was acknowledged with an emeritus title and also volunteered at the Stanley Isaacs Center. Penny adored entertaining family and friends at her home in Harbor Point. She was a thoughtful, caring friend to many with a fabulous sense of humor. Her backyard pool was a welcoming place for generations of neighbors to learn to swim. Each summer the pool overflowed with happiness and laughter that brought her joy. Always a lover of animals, she was surrounded by many cats and dogs throughout her life.
Penny is survived by her son, R. Christopher Karp and his wife, Ruhama Smith Karp. In addition, she will be missed by her younger sister, Wendy Lehman Lash and her husband Stephen S. Lash; her niece Abigail S. Lash and her husband Austin V. Shapard and their two daughters, Harriet and Lucy; and her nephew William L. Lash and his wife Jaime Costello Lash.
The family wishes to thank the exceptional healthcare professionals who cared for her. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nightingale-Bamford School, 20 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128. Attn: Colleen Dealy; and to Hill House, 10 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT 06878. Attn: Sam Deibler
