Pernilla Astrid Zacher

June 12, 1927 – December 25, 2020

With her children by her side, Pernilla (Penny) Astrid Zacher passed away Christmas Day 2020 to be with her Lord and Savior and husband Ken. Penny was born June 12, 1927 in Cashmere, WA to Albin and Lydia Anderson. Penny’s young years were spent on the family orchard, attending school, learning the violin and being active with 4-H. She graduated from Wenatchee HS in 1945, attended Wenatchee Junior College before entering Washington State College (now University). Before graduating from WSU, Penny toured with the college orchestra and was part of the Junior Prom court. After graduation, Penny worked for Consolidated Freightways then as a secretary-policy writer for an insurance agent before marrying Ken on October 3rd,1953 in Wenatchee WA.

After a short time, the young couple moved to Spokane and then Yakima WA for Ken’s career with Social Security Administration. Penny continued to work until their three children were born before moving to San Francisco in 1966. A year later the couple moved to Carmichael, California where they would remain. Penny returned to work in the insurance field in 1975 until retiring in 1991.

Penny was a thoughtful, kind and loving woman, a wonderful hostess who made sure every family member and friend’s birthday, anniversary and holiday was celebrated and remembered. Penny’s memory for dates and events is renowned! And was put to good use in her pursuit of Genealogy. Her years growing up on the orchard lent to her love of gardening, both flowers and produce, canning, and sharing the bounty. She was very involved in her children’s lives making sure that music, the arts and service to others were interwoven into their upbringing. Penny was active as a leader for many years in Bluebirds and Camp Fire Girls. She also pursued lifelong learning. She took classes in cake decorating and had a small cake decorating business, expanded her sewing skills to quilting, “re-learned” Swedish (her native language until attending grade school) and continued to correspond with her relatives in Sweden until her passing.

As a newly married couple, Ken introduced Penny to hunting and fishing which led to a lifetime of outdoor adventures, camping and travel. They enjoyed attending family, high school and college reunions. In retirement, they traveled the US, the world and were active in the Golden Acorn RV group. Throughout their life in Carmichael, they were highly active in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, serving the Lord and congregation in a multitude of ways.

Surviving are her 3 children Denice (George) Murphy, Paul (Lynn) Zacher & Cameon (Dave) Krotine. 10 Grandchildren Melanie (Lonn) Gross, Cameon Kia, Corey (Danielle) & Keoki Murphy, Cameron (Karly) & Jordan Zacher, Brian, Tommy, Daniel & Claire Krotine. Great grandchildren, Raine & River Sato, Josiah & Camaiah Kia, Merrick & Makai Murphy. She was predeceased by her brother Alton Swan Anderson who died in infancy and husband Kenneth who passed away earlier this year.

Her family would like to thank the caring staff of Sunrise of Fair Oaks and Vitas Hospice Sacramento. Memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church when gathering restrictions are lifted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Penny’s name to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Sacramento) General Fund or Library. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting tridentsociety.com Roseville location.