Penelope Louise Phillips-Nelson, 63
Penelope (Penni), of Post Falls, died peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Nov. 14, 2012. Penni, the youngest of four and the only girl, was born in San Bernadino, Calif., on July 4, 1949, to Sarah Louise and Theodore Edward Phillips.
Penni grew up in California during a time when it was relatively unpopulated, the countryside being as far and wide as a young girl’s imagination. Her youth expressed her vivaciousness: surfing-our own “Gidget;” decorated equestrian — including Rose Parade Queen; seamstress-clothed herself stylishly; musician-guitar; dancing-in Disneyland’s Band Stand dance contest; won tickets to The Beattles’ first West Coast show; and, that which would remain through her life, treasured friendships.
Educated at UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara she studied veterinary science. In 1971, nearly finished with school, Penni’s life changed course due to an auto accident that left her paraplegic. The wheelchair could not confine her, and many of her most profound achievements occurred during the 41 years to follow.
The year 1972 brought her marriage to Ronald Dean Nelson. Together they established a home and a successful landscaping company in Santa Barbara, Calif. Next, despite being told by her doctors that it was physically impossible, her most important and cherished moments were known through the birth of her children, Elaina Nicole (1974) and Joshua Douglas Dean (1978).
In the midst of the Mt. St. Helen’s eruption of 1980, Penni separated, later divorced, from her marriage and moved with her small children to rural North Idaho, seeking homeopathic healing. A testament to her tenacity, she braved the severe winters and the separation from all friends and family. For the remaining 30 years, she touched the hearts of all she met with her infectious smile, loving ways, devotion to the sublime, respect for and faith in others, and a “never give up” approach to life.
Penni loved to get in the car for long road trips with her children, visiting family and friends, and exploring the world. From all the stories she told, these are among her most fond memories. Her love of animals meant there was always a place for a creature in need. Her two beloved Pomeranian service dogs were at her bedside to the last moment. All the love she had for animals was tenfold for her fellow people. This was evident in her volunteer work for the advocacy of handicapped accessibility both for the cities of Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, and the state of Idaho through the Parks and Recreation Department; Communications Officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary; CASA representative; costume designer and seamstress for NIC theater, Lake City Playhouse in Coeur d’Alene and U.S. Forest Service; her children’s schools and the church.
Faith sustained Penni at all times. Her passing on to be at the right hand of Jesus, pain free and made whole for eternity, was a comfort to her and is a comfort to her devoted friends and family. Penni will be cremated and, following her ancestors, her ashes sprinkled in the waters of her youth, the Pacific Ocean of California. A Celebration of Life will occur both in Idaho and in California, though dates are not set.
She is survived by: her son, Joshua Nelson of Post Falls; her daughter and son-in-law, Elaina and Phillip Cernera of Athol; her brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Patty Phillips of California; her longtime friend and partner in life, Mark Rhodes of Washington; her step-children, Denny Nelson, Joy Nelson and Sandy Rhodes; the joy of her heart, her grandchildren, Kade, Riley and Makenna Nelson; and many more loved ones.
We will stumble through the darkness without her illumination, until our eyes and hearts adjust to the light she saw so clearly inside us; then, we will see her anew through echoes of laughter, vivid memories, undying love. Thank you, Mom.