Penelope A Rappa

Penelope “Penny” Rappa, aged 77, passed away on December 25, 2022 in San Luis Obispo, CA. Penny was born on May 9, 1945 in Pacific Grove, CA to Alvin and Nadine Annand. She married Joseph “Joe” Rappa in September 1964 in Monterey, CA. They have three daughters, Patricia, Christine and Diana. Penny was a fierce woman — holding fast to her beliefs, always seeking to better herself, and defending those loved, along with causes dear to her heart. She never met a challenge she couldn’t meet, a trait she passed on to her children. A graduate of Pacific Grove High School, Penny had a brief stint as a nurse’s aide before setting into her full-time job as mom. Creative and resourceful, she used her drive and talent to make sure her family could take advantage of opportunities that came their way. When her children needed to travel for the local swim team, she renovated an empty Chevy van into a mobile home, making van life cool before it became a hashtag. A career opportunity for Joe meant a move to SLO and led Penny to become a community activist and public servant, roles which she often spoke of with immense pride. She began her activism as a founding member of the SLO Downtown Neighborhood Association, preserving historic homes in the downtown area from becoming businesses. Serving as commissioner with both the City of San Luis Obispo and County of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission, council member for the City of San Luis Obispo, and board member for the Land Conservancy for San Luis Obispo County, Penny loved SLO and wanted to preserve its beauty while recognizing growth is necessary and inevitable. She also served as executive director and Restore manager for Habitat for Humanity of San Luis Obispo County. Outspoken and determined, Penny was loved and respected for the work she did on behalf of her community. In her later years, Penny remained active and volunteered as a docent for the Jack House and Gardens in SLO, marched for women’s rights with her granddaughters, picked up golf, read legal thrillers, and traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe with Joe and their high school friends. She had a deep love for animals, and their latest rescue Addison is reaping the spoils of that love and keeping Joe company. Penny is survived by her husband Joe, daughters Patricia (Kevin), Christine (Steve), and Diana (Kurt), as well as six grandchildren (Elizabeth, Avery, Andrew, Emily, Jack and Hayden) and one great grandchild (Remy). A Celebration of Life will take place on May 7, 2023, at The Jack House 536 Marsh St. from 2:00-4:00pm.

Penelope A Rappa

May 9, 1945 - December 25, 2022