Penny Lusche was born Jan. 14, 1939, in South Dakota to Dr. Fred and Hazel Zeiss. Penny’s father was an army surgeon during WWII and his duties took them to many places. Penny lived in California, Wyoming, Arkansas, Texas and Boston. The family settled in Chicago, Illinois, where Penny, her younger brother and sister attended high school. Penny was a student at Purdue University where she met Jay Lusche. They were married in 1954.
They came to California in 1960 and lived in La Cañada Flintridge for 27 years. Their four children, Peter, David, Christy-Joy and Jonathan, grew up there. When the children were grown, they moved to Pasadena where they lived for 28 years.
At the time of her passing, Penny and Jay had been married for 63 years. Penny always loved the arts, and volunteered for the Women’s Committee of Pasadena Symphony Association, the Pasadena Museum of California Art and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Penny leaves behind her husband Jay, their four children and spouses, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service celebrating Penny’s life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m. at La Cañada Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pasadena Conservatory of Music (website: Pasadenaconservatory.org).
