Penny Major

Penny (Toornman) Major passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at age 50. Penny was born in Kalamazoo, MI in 1969, the youngest daughter of Eugene and Marie Toornman. Penny graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1987 and later, in 1992, graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics. During her childhood Penny had a love for gymnastics, playing in the woods, and riding bikes with her sisters. In her young adult life Penny was very involved with her youth group, which allowed her to travel across the country. Through her high school French Club, she was also able to visit Paris, France. Penny treasured her family and friends, her pug, and especially her daughter, Montana. In 1991, Penny was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that would lead to multiple treatments and surgeries throughout her life. Although the tumor was persistent, Penny never let go of her optimistic and happy-go-lucky attitude towards life. She always had a smile that made others around her smile as well. Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Marie Toornman, and her sister Carrie Kimble. She is survived by her daughter Montana Major, her twin sister Laurie (John) Hare, her siblings Deborah Toornman, Tammy Guzzo, and Tom (Cathy) Toornman, and her partner, Tom Valind. Per Penny's wishes, there will be a celebration of life at Prairie Edge Church located at 9316 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024, on Saturday, July 6th from 11am-1pm. We welcome family and friends to visit, open house style, and share favorite stories of Penny. Food and drink will be provided. In memory of Penny, donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or Lending Hands of Michigan.