Obituary - Ellen Kidd Woods Penick

PENICK, Ellen Kidd Woods, 85, passed away on April 29th. Born in Richmond in 1935, she was the daughter of Lydia Hamilton Kidd of Baltimore, MD and Leo Miller Kidd of Richmond, and the granddaughter of E.G. Kidd, one of the city's first female entrepreneurs, who founded Pin Money Pickles in 1868.

She was an only child, attended boarding school at Warrenton Country School and Grier in Tyron, Pa. Some would say this contributed to her independent and spirited nature. At Warrenton she developed a love of horses. She rode with the Deep Run Hunt Club as a young woman until a back injury ended her career, but not before her feisty nature resulted in a punch on the chin of fellow rider for hitting her beloved mare, Here’s How. When not riding, she loved to entertain in style; always the life of the party. Her dinner parties were always sure to be remembered for her hospitality and delicious food. She loved to travel and took her children and grandchildren to many of the finest hotels and restaurants throughout Europe, giving them memories to last a life time. Always an avid bridge player she especially enjoyed duplicate bridge with friends at the Country Club of Virginia and her bridge group of over 30 years. She was an intuitive bridge player; never forgot a hand. Her license plate read, as will her memorial marker, BID SLAM. Like everything she did, it was done to her expectations. She was a loving and devoted friend to so many, generous with her time and resources. She was especially grateful to the Virginia Home where her late daughter, Cindy Woods lived for over 30 years.

A 20-year board member of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She became a master gardener with her husband, Gordon. During their marriage, Ellen and Gordon designed and planted the exquisite gardens at Reedy Mill, their Ruther Glen home. Featured in Southern Living, Horticulture Magazine, The Washington Post, Southern Accents, and the White Flower Farm catalog, Reedy Mill earned Ellen the Gardening Award of Excellence from Central Virginia’s Public TV, which Jim Wilson of PBS’ The Victory Garden calling Reedy Mill called “a world class showplace.”

Ellen is survived by three daughters Wendy Kay Woods (Ron Payne), Kathy Woods Fogleman, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Foster Woods Tyler (Taylor) and three stepchildren, Gordon F. Penick, Jr.(Ruth), Joseph Bernard Penick (Nancy), and Blair Penick McIlwain; as well as 9 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by Gordon F. Penick, her husband of 32 years and a daughter, Cindy Georgeanne Woods.

The family wishes to thank Janice Cure, Janete Diniz, Lisa Martin and Marie Rodrigues, for Ellen’s care and support; and is especially grateful to Melvin Freeman, whom she thought of as a son, for his lifelong loyalty and help.
The family is indebted to the support and loving care extended to our mother during the end of her life. We are especially grateful to Angela Greenidge and Jacky Granderson with At Home Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Virginia Home. A family graveside service will be held May 6th and a reception to follow for friends and family.