Penny P. Willoughby, 76, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY. Born on August 12, 1949, Penny was the daughter of the late John "Jack" R. Pettit and Dorothea E. Sawyer Pettit Haller.

Penny graduated from General Brown High School in Dexter, NY, and pursued her passion for English literature at Valparaiso University in Indiana, before earning her BA at SUNY Potsdam. She went on to obtain her nursing degree from Corning Community College, embarking on a career dedicated to pediatrics. She worked as a registered nurse for 17 years at Arnot Ogden Hospital and another 17 years at Southern Tier Pediatrics, both in Elmira, NY.

A devoted wife and mother, Penny is survived by her husband Michael Willoughby; sons John Ebbrecht and Matt (Kate) McCarty; daughters Amanda (John) Ebbrecht Meager and Kristen McCarty; stepdaughter Amber Willoughby; grandchildren Lexi, Kiki, and Gabby Meager; Gradie McCarty; and step-grandchild Waylon Clift-Willoughby. She was predeceased by her father in 1953 and her mother in 1995.

Penny was an avid reader with a deep knowledge of English literature and history. She fiercely loved her family, including her pets, and had a great sense of humor. A lifelong Democrat and passionate Get-Out-The-Vote activist, Penny was dedicated to making a difference. She and her husband were once faithful members of Grace Episcopal Church in Elmira.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, from 5 to 7 p.m. at McInerny Funeral Home in Elmira, NY. Flowers may be placed during this visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Penny Willoughby's name to the Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA.

May Penny's memory bring comfort to all who knew her.