The Chatham Ringette Association is mourning the loss of one of its oldest, most-valued members.
Penny McCullough passed away from a sudden illness on Wednesday, October 26 at the age of 79.
She leaves behind her children Bobbi-Jo Ferren and Jacques McCullough.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ken McCullough and her son, Daniel McCullough.
McCullough started her career in a predominately male workforce at Navistar in Chatham and helped pave the way for other women to join the workforce.
She is also considered the pioneer of ringette in Chatham.
Her determination to see more women in sports helped pave the way to introduce Ringette to ice rinks in Chatham. She later developed the Best Learn to Skate Program in Chatham, teaching hundreds of young children how to skate.
"Knowing Penny was a breath of fresh air," said Chatham Ringette Association Chair Margie VanOirschot. "She always had zingers, she was so funny but she was also so supportive."
McCullough played a major role in raising money for the association. VanOirschot said without McCullough, the association would have had to shut its doors a long time ago.
"Without the money that Penny has been able to raise through her passion for bingo, we would have shut doors long ago," said VanOirschot. "She had the passion of funding for it, the love of the game, the community around it, and the children."
Chatham Ringette Association Vice Chair Eric Vandermeer met McCullough when his daughter started in her learn to skate program.
"She was very good at what she did and she helped develop a lot of good skaters, boys and girls," said Vandermeer. "Ringette is a predominantly female sport, but a lot of kids start in our learn to skate program and switch to hockey later on."
McCullough wanted young women to see what it was like to be and stay involved in something, whether it was in sports or not. Vandermeer said it was important to ensure there was strong female leadership throughout the association.
"I want something for my daughter to look up to and Penny was one of those people," said Vandermeer. "Penny brought her own energy and vibrance to our board meetings and that is something I am going to miss the most."
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at the Golden Acres Curling Club on Saturday, November 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Those wishing to remember Penny with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Senior Centre.