Obituary: Ouida Madge Reeves Penkacik

Ouida Madge Reeves Penkacik, 93, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 21, 2018, surrounded by her family at the Westminster Towers Health Center. She was born on June 19, 1924, in Ocoee, Florida.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, John Penkacik; her parents, Mason Clindon and Claudia Underwood Reeves of Ocoee, Florida; and brother, Dolphus Reeves, from San Diego, California.

Ouida was deeply loved and will be missed greatly by her children, Mary and Charlie Black, Peggy and Bob Terry, Cheryl and Joe Nastasi and John David Penkacik; her loving grandchildren, Jennifer and Mark Terlep, Brian and Laura Black, Leigh-Anne and David O’Regan, JaimeLyn and Bryson Womack, Patrick and Lori Terry, Joseph and Nicole Nastasi, Julie Nastasi and Brooke Esperanza. She is also survived by her treasured great-grandchildren, Tyler and Abby Terlep, Calvin and Olivia Black, Keara and Declan O’Regan, Torah and Aspen Womack, Aidan and Ian Terry and Billie Grace Nastasi; by her very loved sisters-in-law and many extended family and friends. 
Ouida grew up in Ocoee, Florida, and graduated from Ocoee High School in 1942. She attended nursing school at ORMC. Ouida fell in love with her U.S. Army guy from Buffalo, New York, who was stationed in Orlando and attended Radar School in Ocoee, where he discovered his small-town Southern sweetheart.

She married the love of her life on Aug. 29, 1944, at the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden. They built their home in Orlando.

John and Ouida were lifelong members of First Baptist Church in downtown Orlando and founding members of the Downtown Baptist Church. During their many years of service, they found many ways to support the ministries – helping to establish the old skating rink and family skate nights, teaching young people and maintaining the mail list and weekly mailing of the newsletter to the families of Downtown Baptist. Ouida also enjoyed planning and leading the senior adults’ activities and trips for many years. 
Ouida, along with her husband, left quite a rich heritage of faith and family. The love and joy they found in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was second only to their love and devotion to their Father in Heaven. 
During their last years, the pastor and members of Orlando Reformed Presbyterian Church have supported Ouida and John with encouragement, love and prayers. The family is thankful for this care. The family also is very grateful for the assisted-living and health-care staff at Westminster Towers in Orlando. The doctors, chaplain, leadership and caregivers of Cornerstone Hospice have provided a gentle transition through her final days. 
Arrangements have been made through Collison-Carey Hand Funeral Home and interment at Ocoee Cemetery at a later time. A memorial service was held at Collison-Carey Hand on Plant Street in Winter Garden at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 27. 
Memorial contributions may be made in Ouida's name to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.