Penelope Louise Reese Carscaddon

Penelope Louise Reese Carscaddon, 88, died suddenly, at home on Thursday, March 4, 2021.

Born in Asheville, she was the daughter of Ora Sue Hunnicutt Reese and Robert Henry Reese. She grew up in Asheville and at 12 years old was confirmed at Trinity Episcopal Church by Bishop Gribben and presented by Rev. Floyd Rogers. Penelope attended Asheville City Schools and studied voice with opera singer, Elda Vitore’ from age 7-17.

Penelope married Alan Carscaddon at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 5:00 pm on Wednesday August 30, 1950 and they had been married for 64 years at the time of his death in 2014.

Penelope was active in church and political life, and along with her sister Roberta, conducted amazing vacation bible school programs at St. John’s when their children were small, as well as having been President of the Democratic Women of Buncombe County in the 1970’s during Governor Jim Hunt’s first term as governor.

From 1966-1970, Penelope was the director of the East Asheville Community Center as a part of the City Parks and Recreation program. She owned and operated the Penny Ante gift shop at the Hilton Hotel in Asheville for 16 years. Art was always central in Penelope’s life and she began studying with Ruth Sinclair, then with Judy Cooksey and later with Janie McWhirter. She shared studio space with Marie Hudson, Christine Longoria and many other women artists over the span of many years at the beginning of the revitalization of the River Arts District. Their studio was located in at the RiverLink building while Karen Cragnolin was director of RiverLink.

Penelope is survived by her sister, Roberta Rhodes (Jack), Rev. Robert Reese (Rev. Jeanette), children; Bruce Alan Carscaddon, Dr. David Mitchell Carscaddon (Dr. Laura Carscaddon), and Representative Susan Fisher (John Fisher) and foster son, David Dyer of Washington State.

Also surviving are grandchildren; Megan Carscaddon,(Steven Mays) Katie Carscaddon (Greg Swanger), Lindsey Carscaddon Litaker (Alex), Jonathan Fisher (Yuco), Alexandria Fisher (Ethan Johnstone), Carter Smith and Kendall Smith; great grandchildren, Georgia Carscaddon, Oliver Fisher and Sophia Fisher and Gabriel Swanger and Rue Swanger; step great grandchildren, Henry Swanger and Amelia Swanger, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The memorial will take place incorporating masks and safe distancing, at 1pm on Saturday, March 13 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 290 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805. The Rev. Joan Grant will officiate.

The family wishes to express its immense gratitude and love to her entire St. John’s family and most especially to Donna Cook who was a wonderful friend and live-in care giver to Penelope in the last years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is in charge of arrangements.