Penny Lou Sanzaro passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, due to a recurrence of cancer. She was a kind, loving and cheerful person who made friends easily and will be missed greatly by her family, friends and all who knew her.

Penny Lou Brown was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 15, 1942, to Phoebe Lou (Steinberger) Brown and Melvin Richard Brown. Her parents divorced when she and her younger brother, Richard “Butch” Brown, were still very young. Their grandparents Leta and Bill Steinberger, along with extended family, provided important supportive roles in their young lives.

In 1950 her mother, Phoebe, married William M. Slight and the family subsequently moved to Southern California, settling in Whittier. Penny showed an early talent for drawing and painting, at one point completing a set of drawings and watercolors of the California Missions on a family vacation. She graduated from Sierra High School, attended Whittier College. Penny received a BA Degree in Fine Arts from Cal State Long Beach, majoring in Art Education with a minor in Industrial Arts Graphic Arts.

Penny began her career as a graphic artist in the printing industry, designing forms, newsletters, and company logos, and a one point serving as press production manager for Moore Business Forms. She spent most of her career working for San Bernadino County (CA) making the transition from analog to digital graphic design and production. Near the end of her career she moved to the county Public Health Department, creating posters and brochures and well as designing and giving health education presentations.

She and her husband of 57 years, Concetto “Sonny” Sanzaro, lived for more than two decades in Rancho Cucamonga (CA) in a house they built together. They also eventually had a mountain vacation cabin at Big Bear Lake (which they extensively remodeled themselves). They had a boat moored at Newport (CA) for coastal excursions and later moved the boat to Poulsbo, WA.

Penny and Sonny retired in 1998 and moved to northwest Washington State, first to Port Ludlow and then to Kingston. In retirement, Penny returned to her love of painting, working primarily in watercolor and inspired by a community of artists, especially in Port Ludlow. She exhibited her original works and prints and cards made from them in galleries and gift shops from Port Townsend to Poulsbo. Penny was active in the Port Ludlow Art League.

Penny is survived by her husband Concetto “Sonny” Sanzaro, currently residing in Martha and Mary’s long-term care in Poulsbo; her brother Richard “Butch” Brown (Sallie) of Port Gamble; her brother Daniel Slight III of Laughlin, NV; her sister Nancy Slight-Gibney (Robert) of Eugene, OR; seven nieces and nephews, and eight grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Penny was loved every minute of her life. Rest in Peace.

There will be a visitation on September 5, 2025, from 11am to 1pm at The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo, Washington followed by a funeral service at 1pm and a graveside service at 2pm at Cherry Grove Memorial Park in Poulsbo, Washington. Arrangements entrusted to The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo, Washington.