Audrey Pennington Young – a long time resident and well-known real estate and business woman in Hollister, CA, passed away in the Monterey Community Hospital on October 05, 2011 after a very long and courageous struggle.
Audrey was born in Bailey Switch, Kentucky on January 11, 1927. After graduating from high school at age 16 she departed for Beria College, Kentucky. Audrey moved many times before arriving in California in 1954. Her education was interrupted by WWII but she eventually received her undergraduate and masters’ degrees from San Jose State University. Audrey was an elementary school teacher for 18 years and then became a school principal for another seven years. She always excelled in whatever she attempted. She was President of the Gilroy Teachers Association and was selected teacher of the year by her peers.
After retiring from the school system, Audrey and her husband, Bill Pennington, who preceded her in death in 1993, built residential homes in Morgan Hill and later – on a much larger scale — in Hollister. Audrey was an active real estate broker that included operating Pennington Town and Country Real Estate with her son, Rick Pennington.
Audrey served as President of the San Benito County Board of Realtors in 1988. Over a period of twenty years Audrey was involved in building and selling more than 75 homes, primarily in the local area. She also found time to operate the Pennington Child Development Center for many years in Hollister. She was an astute business person, well respected by all who came in contact with her.
Audrey led a very busy, active life and had many friends and acquaintances. Kaidi and Becky, her grandchildren, were her love and major concern. She was also a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollister, serving as Chair of the Deacons for many years.
Audrey married Bill Young in the year 2005 after being widowed for 12 years. Audrey never expected to marry again but found a joyous new love at age 77. They enjoyed every day together. Audrey and Bill had a loving and exciting married life, with ballroom dancing at least twice a week as their major enjoyment and exercise. She also loved to travel as they took numerous trips together.
Audrey was preceded in death by her brothers Glen and Bob Majors, and recently her beloved sister, Emma Bennett.
Surviving family members include: Husband-Bill Young; Brothers-Russell and Curtis Majors; Adult children: Rick (Valerie) Pennington; Patricia L. Bland; Jeffrey A. (Terri) Young; Mark S. (Gwynne) Young; and Nancy L. (Michael) Kearns. Grandchildren: Kathleen and Rebecca Pennington; Elizabeth C. (Paul) Oyler; Ivan Bland and David (Carly) Bland; Tyler and Kaylee Young; Watson and Kirby Young; Ryan (Amber) Kearns; Jason, Kassandra and Kimberly Kearns. Great grandchildren: Ashlyn F. Wroble and James C. Oyler and many nieces and nephews.
Audrey will be sadly missed by her husband, Bill; son, Rick, and all her extended family members as well as her many friends.
Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Hollister, 2066 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023 on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the church in Audrey’s name.
