Gloria Evelyn Schumann Penn, 1937-2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gloria Evelyn Schumann Penn, a respected businesswoman, devoted animal lover, cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Gloria passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 11th, 2024 at the age of 87 years.

Gloria was born on January 13th, 1937 in Miami, Florida. Her death was preceded by her father, Harry (Butch) Edward Schumann, her mother, Martha E Levey Schumann, and her son, William (Bill) Harry Penn.

Gloria's life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her career as a business owner of Biscayne Sheet Metal. She kept her father's legacy alive through the business and was a "take no grief" kind of gal. As a respected and successful businesswoman, she took great pride in her work and the impact she made in her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Beyond her professional achievements, Gloria was also an avid animal lover. She saved countless animals of all species and sizes over the years. Her largest animal rescue, a black bear cub and grizzly bear cub, turned out to be her proudest. She raised her granddaughters alongside bears for 7 years. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. She dedicated a great part of her life and time to caring for and saving animals. Gloria was the "humane society" of her neighborhood, Country Club Ranches, in Miramar, Florida. She owned a 12.5 acre farm where she gave these animals the best life they could have.

Gloria's love for animals was passed on to her children and grandchildren. She shared her farm and the joys of animals with her family. Gloria and her daughter, Kim, moved to Lake Wales, Florida in 2021 where she spent her days gazing out over Lake Walk in Water and enjoying her last animal rescue, Bindi. Bindi became her companion and never left her side.

Gloria was a provider, a true matriarch. She was a mother to 3 children with Samuel August Penn, who also preceded her in death. She was a devoted grandmother (Grams) to 2 grandchildren and a loving great-grandmother to 2 great-grandchildren. Gloria left a lifelong mark on her family and leaves behind a legacy of her own that will be carried on by all of those who loved her.

Gloria is survived by her 2 daughters, Valerie Lynn Delary (Michael Delary) and Kimberly Ann Penn, her granddaughters, Stacey Marie Penn and Sara Evelyn Mann (Joshua Mann), and her great-granddaughters, Scarlett Evelyn Mann and Violet Etta Mann.

Her strong will, generosity, and passion will be remembered always.

A memorial service to celebrate Gloria's life will be held on July 27th, 2024 at Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Lakeland, Florida at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gloria's name to St Jude's Children's Hospital or your choice of animal shelter/foundation.

Rest in peace, Mom/Grams. Your memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who loved you.

We will miss you always and forever!

Your loving family