Obituary of Penelope Cottrell, 75
Penelope Cottrell.
– Penelope “Penny” Martha Cottrell (Baldwin) passed away peacefully in her Templeton home on November 11, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by family and her beloved caretakers. She was the cherished daughter of Ronald and Felicia Baldwin. A lifelong Californian, Penny was born in Richmond and raised in San Luis Obispo, where she attended Mission School.
Penny devoted her life to caring for others. She raised her children while also working in various roles that reflected her compassionate nature – including as a caretaker, bookkeeper, and property manager. Her journey through life took her to many towns across California, but her heart always remained on the Central Coast. She cherished the area’s beauty and spirit, especially its beaches, where she loved to surf or watch her late brother, Skeeter, ride the waves.
An animal lover at heart, Penny never turned away a rescue in need. Her home was always filled with the companionship of beloved pets she had welcomed into her family.
Penny’s creativity shone through in many forms. She enjoyed weaving and textile crafts, drawing (especially her beautifully detailed roses), and making jewelry. She was also an avid reader who often dreamed of writing a book of her own someday.
Penny will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Steve Cottrell; her four children, Sharon Holland, Angela Schneider, Kristina Ross, and Candance Starbuck; six grandchildren, Ashlee, RJ, Joseph, David, Emily, and Josie; six great-grandchildren; and her older sister, Marilee Hyman. Her warmth, sense of humor, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
The A-Town Daily News accepts and publishes local obituaries and death notices free of charge from individuals and local funeral homes. See information and tips here on writing an obituary. Please submit the obituary a few days before services, if possible. To submit an obituary, please email it to skye@accesspublishing.com with “obituary” in the subject line. Please email a photo along with the obituary.
