Penny J. Anderson

PENNY J. ANDERSON

Penelope “Penny” J. Anderson, age 81, lifetime resident of Munising, died late Friday evening, January 16, 2026 at the Munising Memorial Hospital. Penny was born on December 16, 1944 the fifth of seven children to Joe and Bridget (Ryan) Kee. Penny graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1963. Penny married George Anderson on August 16, 1967 and together they raised their two sons. She was a hard worker and started cooking at a restaurant in Christmas while in high school. Penny worked at Pangborn Cleaners, she cooked breakfast at the Dogpatch, bartended at the Sugar Bush, and worked fifteen years at Kimberly Clark, retiring out of the lab. During that time, Penny bartended at Corktown. (Odds are that if you were ever kicked out of Corktown, it was by Penny. She was tough, fair, and stubborn, and you probably deserved it.) Penny loved her family and throughout her life, family was a priority. There were always wonderful gatherings with the Kee siblings, nieces and nephews, and her own children and grandchildren. She loved her Irish heritage and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day was only outshined by the 4th of July because that was when more family gathered. Penny was always updating her house with new carpet and furniture, and she was tidy (or a neat freak.) She would change the sheets of the beds while the boys were still sleeping in them. Penny and George were a great team. They loved to ride in the woods, watch westerns (especially Gunsmoke), and start afternoon cocktails at 3:00 p.m. (after all, it was 5 o’clock somewhere.) The three greatest joys in their lives were their grandchildren – Ireland, Sage, and Cooper. Penny and George had them in their home when they were born and loved providing free daycare for their kids. School shopping was an annual adventure with shopping, lunch at the Dry Dock and pull tabs (and denying they all played pull tabs.) Pen Pen will always love the three of you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. Penny was sassy and enjoyed life and laughter.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years – George Anderson of Munising; sons and daughters-in-law – Ryan “Red” and Katie Anderson and Brock and Krissy Anderson all of Munising; grandchildren – Ireland, Sage, and Cooper; sister-in-law – Lynn (Larry) Passinault; nieces and nephews - Penny, Ty, Carmen, Kelly, Kari, Katrina, Becca, Bridgie, Linda, Rick, Bart, Karen, Dan, and Cyndi Amanda, and Neil.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Bridget Kee; all her siblings – Wini Pothoff, Joe Kee, Karyn (Dick) Loring, Bridget (Andy) Melwicki, Kay C. Hodges, and Becky Kee; parents-in-law – George and Estelle Anderson; brother-in-law – Charlie Anderson; and niece – Shannon Kee.

A celebration of life during afternoon cocktails will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Whiskey Dick’s (formerly Corktown) (109 Elm Avenue) from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 pm.

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always

at your back.

May the sun shine

Warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft

Upon your fields and,

Until we meet again

may God hold you

in the palm of his hand.