Frances D. “Penny” Lipp, 95, passed away November 17, 2022 surrounded by family.   Penny was born on December 24, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY to Frank and Josephine Goodrow.   She was the youngest of two children and had a sister, Veronica “Vera”.  After high school, Penny began working at the Brooklyn Army Base and, a short time later, met the love of her life, Edward “Eddie” Lipp, who had come to port in New York City with the U.S. Navy, during WWII.  Penny and Eddie began a long-distance relationship, as Eddie went back to sea and would return to New York City a few more times during the war.  

In February 1946, Eddie was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and proposed to Penny.   Penny and Eddie were married at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY on February 17, 1946.   Once married, Penny and Eddie moved back to Kansas City, KS, where they were lifelong residents and raised their five children.   They were married nearly 60 years until Eddie’s death on February 8, 2006.

For many years, Penny was a homemaker, raising her children, and later worked as a waitress in some of Kansas City’s finest restaurants, including Top of the Tower, Eddy’s, Gaetano’s, The Cordon Bleu, and Mario’s on the Plaza.

As a member of Christ the King (CTK) Catholic Church for over 65 years and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for the last 10 years, Penny was very active on the CTK Bereavement Committee.   Penny enjoyed cooking, baking, and entertaining for family and friends.   She loved nothing more than getting her large family together for gatherings in a family member’s home, at a nearby lake or picnic shelter for holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions.

Penny and Eddie traveled and camped throughout the U.S. and at regional lakes for many years.  For about 15 years, Penny and Eddie enjoyed being “winter Texans” at the Tip O’ Texas Resort, Pharr, TX where they would spend 3-4 months each winter.   It was during this time, that Penny began painting oil paintings, and discovered that she had a natural artistic talent.  Penny also dearly loved her “card group” that she had as a resident of Hazelwood Villas, where 6-8 ladies met in someone’s villa or the side-room of a nearby restaurant to play cards each week. 

Penny is survived by her daughters, Donna Schoellkopf of Shawnee, KS, Patricia Erler of Yankton, SD, and Joanne (Robert) Weber of Shawnee, KS; son Jeff (Joan) Lipp of Olathe, KS, and daughter-in-law Theresa Lipp of Olathe, KS.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward; parents, Frank and Josephine Goodrow; sister, Veronica Frascolla; son, William; and sons-in-law, James Schoellkopf and David Erler.

Penny was blessed with 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren who were her greatest joy.  Her family and friends will miss her dearly.

The family would like to express its utmost appreciation and thanks to Brookdale College Square and Brookdale Rosehill, who cared for Penny the last 18 months of her life.   Words cannot express our gratitude for the care and love they provided her.

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. with visitation from 11:00-12:00 on Tuesday, November 22, 2022  at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1066 N. 94th Street,  Kansas City, Kansas.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 (Noon) at the Church.  Burial will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kansas.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1086 N 94th St., Kansas City, KS 66112