Penelope W. Grande Was Former Island Educator

Penelope Wadsworth Finch Grande of Venice, Fla., died on April 14 following an extended illness. She was born in Winthrop on August 27, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Elton E. Finch and Virginia M. Lill.

A lifelong educator, Mrs. Grande earned her master's and doctorate degrees in education. She taught in the public school systems in Medford, Arlington, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and served as a principal in Desoto County, Florida. Most recently, she was an associate professor at Manatee College and was also overseeing the development and certification of child care centers in Sarasota County, Fla.

Mrs. Grande loved the ocean and going to the beach. She was also an avid reader.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Dominic I. Grande of Venice, Fla.; a son, John W. (Coral) Grande and grandchildren Cynthia, Austin and Emelyn of Rockport; a daughter, Mary E. (Lt. Cameron) Naron and grandchildren Mae, Joseph and Kathleen of Montclair, Va.; a daughter, Cynthia M. (Dr. Thomas) Lafferty and grandchildren Michael and Donovan of Ocala, Fla.; an uncle, Herbert Goldberg of Concord, and several cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends are asked to make contributions to the Hospice House of Southwest Florida, 220 Wexford Blvd., Venice, FL 34293.