More than 20 years helping women and children
Sadley, Dr. Penny Lightholder Thomas passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016. Penny was a charter member and past president of WOMEN of SWPA. Her contributions to our organization have been instrumental in moving forward our purpose of servicing women and children.
Throughout her participation in WOMEN, Penny showed kindness, patience and a conscientious dedication to “getting things right.” Her thoroughness and attention to detail were demonstrated through her work as chairperson of tickets and seating for the WOMEN’s annual benefit, Symphony of Food. Each year this organizational puzzle was completed with due diligence and successful outcomes. Those attending Symphony of Food saw a smiling, fun-loving lady at the ticket table who graciously handled their welcome with ease and charm.
Penny was also known throughout the community as Dr. Thomas. Her optometry practice in Peters Township served the community for many years. She was Director of Low Vision at Pittsburgh Vision Services, a focus of her career that allowed her to serve a different aspect of the optometric profession, volunteering her time to help the visually impaired.
Penny’s volunteer work also included Meals on Wheels, Peters Township Chamber of Commerce and a charitable trip to Haiti to provide eye screening and glasses to local residents. She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Peters Township.
Although Penny’s greatest joys came from being a wife, mother, grandmother and sister, she gave unselfishly to better the lives of others. The members of WOMEN will remember her as a valued, caring, and inspirational friend and co-worker. She will be greatly missed.