John Stewart "Stewie" Penney

John Stewart (Stewie) Penney
1939–2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of John Stewart (Stewie) Penney, which occurred on June 20, 2026, at Hospice Cape Breton as a result of interstitial lung disease (silicosis) following 37 years in the coal mining industry.

Stewie was the son of the late Jack and Emma Penny of Bras d’Or. He was always a very proud "Shacker." He wasn't one to talk a lot, but when he did, his words mattered. He enjoyed bowling, golf, bike riding, and walking. Stewie and Noreen spent 14 winters in Florida, where he discovered golf at the age of 72. He continued golfing during the summer months when he was home.

Stewie is survived by his loving wife, Noreen (MacDonald) Penney; his children of whom he was always very proud, Stewart Penny, Paul MacIntyre (Diane), Evelyn Hill (Chuck), Melissa MacIntyre (Sam), Susie Penny-Johnston (Guy), and Steven Penny (Mary); 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Gertrude Bonnar (the late James), Deborah Arsenault (Oscar), and his brother, Ricky Penny (Laura). He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were very important to him, especially Tren (Paula), Annabelle (Ken), and Shona.

Besides his parents, Stewie was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn (Handley) Penney; his sisters, Dorothy MacDougall, Jane Hannigan, Hilda Marsh, Joyce MacPhee, Mabel Osmond, and Emma Matthews; his brothers, Burgess and Tren; and his daughter-in-law, Emmaline Penny.

The funeral service will be held at Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30,2026, with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

Stewie's last two months were spent at Hospice Cape Breton, where he often spoke highly of the doctors, nurses, and staff. His family is deeply appreciative of the care, love, and compassion shown to both Stewie and his family during that time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stewie's memory may be made to Hospice Cape Breton.

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