Penelope A. Chappell

Penelope Alyce (Penny) Chappell was born February 15, 1940 to Paul and Dorothy Nevels in Akron, Ohio and passed away March 9, 2020 at Kansas City Hospice House. Penny moved to New York and then the Midwest as a young girl settling in the Kansas City area after her father’s business setbacks brought personal and financial hardship to the family. During her high school years, she was employed with Katz Drug Stores to assist her parents. Later in her career her employers included Harzfelds, Wolf Brothers, Swanson’s and eventually Halls. Her love of fashion, makeup and sales soon shaped a successful career. She trained with Max Factor and others in Hollywood and became a sought-after make-up artist in Kansas City working with area celebrities for photo shoots, television, and countless bridal parties. She finished her last period of employment as a manager for Trish Mcevoy in the Hall’s plaza store. She was a very glamorous person and was always excited to create the best looks possible for her clients.

The other great joy in Penny’s life was her husband, Dr. Robert Chappell to whom she was married for over thirty years. As a couple, they entertained, traveled the world and were major supporters of the arts in Kansas City. Penny’s love of dance inspired her to become a major supporter of the Williams Henry Dance Company. Penny and Bob also enjoyed opera, where they were supporters of the Lyric Opera where Penny was active in the Opera Guild. They also enjoyed theatre and for many years were season ticket holders at Broadway in Kansas City, the American Heartland Theatre at Crown Center and Starlight Theatre.

While her business interests and home were important to her, Penny was an outgoing person with a genuine charisma that helped her make innumerable friends. Her enthusiasm, glamour, electric wit and sense of humor quickly drew people to her. What people found behind the warm smile and laughter was an empathetic person who was both caring and loyal. There are countless instances of Penny and Bob assisting others. It was not uncommon for them to help young people with college tuition, buying tires or providing car repairs for struggling students, sending people through trade schools and assisting those close to them and virtual strangers in very generous ways.

While Penny and Bob were long time members of Unity, attending the Unity Village Chapel and later Unity Temple on the Plaza, she and Bob put their faith and beliefs into action, demonstrating over and over kindness, compassion and generosity.  Despite her failing health, she fought with so much compassion and an open heart until the end.  Those who knew her, and who were privileged to call her a friend, will long remember the impact that she has made on their lives.

Visitation will be 10AM, Funeral Mass at 11AM, Monday, March 16 at Nativity Catholic Church, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS.

Visitation will be 10AM, Funeral Mass at 11AM, Monday, March 16 at Nativity Catholic Church, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS.