Penny A. Hickman, age 78 of Pleasant Valley, passed peacefully at home with her family after a brief illness. She is the daughter of the late Robert Malcolm Ross and Helen Dillinger; beloved step-daughter of the late Doris Ross. Penny is survived by her sister Miste Wells and her partner Gwen; son Jeffrey Hickman and his wife Kathy, daughter Heidi Rowe and her husband Randy; granddaughter Rachel Visconti, grandson Joseph Visconti and step grandchildren Lucas (Samantha), Taylor and Mackenzie; sister-in-law Dianne Hickman and several cousins, nieces and nephews each with whom she had a special relationship.
Born in Rhinebeck, New York, Penny married the love of her life, the late Donald Hickman. Together they lived a beautiful life surrounded by family and friends.  Penny brought joy and fun wherever she went. She loved to golf (achieved a Hole-in-One), take morning walks, dance, long drives, work in her yard, travel, distribute her delicious baked goods and flower arrangements to friends and family. She was a lover of dogs and raised many together with her husband.
Penny's life accomplishments and adventures are vast. She took great pride in her years as an Aide at West Road School working with special needs children. Then moving on to growing a very successful business in nutrition with the Shaklee Corporation and being co-owner of Von Dem Jaegerheim Kennels with her husband Don. Penny then became a Councilwoman for the Town of Pleasant Valley and from there moved into the Supervisor position which she held for several terms. One of her great accomplishments as Town Supervisor was the creation of the Mill Site and Memorial Park where she spent Christmas Eve reading to the children. Penny held seats on the Board of Assessment Review, Library Board and Ethics Committee. On a county level, Penny was integral in bringing E-911 to Dutchess County and also served as a Board Member for Dutchess Outreach and Dutchess County Transportation Council.  She was appointed Honorary Life Member of Pleasant Valley Fire Company and Salt Point Fire Company; recipient of the DeWitt Clinton Award and the Girl Scouts Seat of Honor. There were several organizations and charities that were dear to her. Penny was an Officer of Deer Search, Inc. for over 30 years and was inducted into the Dutchess County Sportsman's Hall of Fame. She assisted with organizing the annual Junior Hunter Pheasant Hunt and she was very involved in the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Club, Inc., Conservation Awareness Foundation, Hunters Helping the Hungry, Food Pantry and many more. Anywhere she went she wanted to be a helping hand, no matter what the task. The family would like to extend special thoughts to her caregiver, Desrene.  For the safety of her family and friends there will be no calling hours or funeral services at this time. A gathering to celebrate Penny's life will be held at a place and time to be announced. The family has set up a charity fund that will be distributed among the many charities she volunteered for and that were close to her heart. Condolences and donations can be sent to Penny Hickman Memorial Fund, PO Box 597, Wynantskill, NY 12198.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home, Pleasant Valley.