PENELOPE IRWIN WHEELER LOCKE, formerly of Buffalo, New York, died peacefully on July 30, 2017 at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, CT surrounded by her loving family. She was 96. The eldest daughter of D. Rumsey and Gwendolyn Irwin Wheeler, she was born on September 29, 1920. Predeceased in 2005 by her husband of 62 years, Curtis H. Locke, she lived in Buffalo until 2007 when she moved to The New Canaan Inn to be near her family. Penny was a graduate of The Madeira School in Greenway, VA and of The Buffalo Seminary. Among her many interests she enjoyed literature, decoupage, needlepoint, tennis, paddle tennis, bridge and sometimes golf (“a good walk ruined”). She had a special talent for writing poems and lyrics with insight and humor. While living at The Inn, her writings and songs contributed inspiration to what has become a popular annual show. Penny’s favorite place to spend the summers was at her childhood family home in Honey Harbour, Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. There, several generations gathered each summer, as well as at their home on Lake Keuka in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. In later years, they enjoyed reunions on Lake Erie in Lorraine, Ontario, Canada. A devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother Penny is survived by her daughters Gwendolyn (Wendy) Locke Gidez and her husband Howard of New Canaan CT and Cynthia (Cindy) Locke Phelan (Hannan) and her husband Peter of Short Hills, NJ, four grandchildren Christopher Locke Gidez, Holly Gidez Galper, Cynthia (Cricket) Reeder Hannan and Wendy Hannan Kaszak, five great granddaughters Madeleine and Claire Galper, Grier Gidez, and twins Cameron and Mackenzie Kaszak. A private family celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to Waveny LifeCare Network, Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840 for their wonderful care. Click for Map and Directions