Why We Do It

Penny loved to dance and sing and play pretend. She was a wonderful daughter, a caring big sister, and a spark of joy to everyone she met. Penny saw the world as a magical place; little did she know the source of that magic came from her. The Clover Foundation was created in her memory in the hope that it could spread some of her joy to others. Our primary focus is supporting opportunities for children to experience visual and performing arts; things Penny loved and opportunities we would have given her.

Penelope Wender Thompson

Penelope Wender Thompson was born in Maplewood, Minnesota on December 17th, 2015 to Patrick Thompson and Hayley Wender. Named after the wily, beautiful Queen Penelopeia, our wildcard lived up to that name. Penny could often be found running unclothed through the sprinklers of South Minneapolis or dancing with wild abandon. A blossoming actress, she would play a fairy or a werewolf with equal commitment to the role. We never knew what mischief she was planning when quiet in her room, though often enough the case would be solved by following a trail of makeup and glitter. She leaves to us a collection of her beautiful drawings, a secret stash of caramels, and more stuffed animals than is reasonable. Let us simply say, Penny was the type of person who preferred cartwheels to walking.

Penny died on September 4th, 2023 after being struck by a car while riding her bike. She was just seven years old. In her wake she leaves so much love, laughter, silliness and joy. She came into this world quickly and fiercely and was gone too soon. There is not enough room on this page to express the love we feel for her.

Penny is survived by her parents; her three year old brother Pierce Thompson; her grandparents Donald and Janice Wender of Sioux City, IA, and Ronald and Brenda Thompson of Otsego, MN; her aunts and uncles Emily Wender and Bryon Pigg of Pittsburgh, PA, Naomi and James Leslie of Pittsburgh, PA, Melanie Wender and Alex Schmucki of Philadelphia, PA, Rachel and Eric Schwartz of Pittsburgh, PA, Natalie Wender of San Diego, CA, and Kendall and Leah Anderson of Harrisonburg, VA; cousins she loved to play with so very much Helena and Ira Wender, Felicity and Isaac Leslie, Elias and Rosalie Schwartz, and Mahoa and Noe Anderson; and so many other loving family members and friends.

A memorial will be held at Mayflower UCC on Saturday, September 9th for family and close friends. The public is welcome to join us at the website bit.ly/PennyThompson to view the livestream of her service which will begin at 11am.

The memorial honoring her eighth birthday can be viewed here: bit.ly/PennyBirthday2023 (the memorial starts at 1:15 into the video, which begins with a holiday music service at Mayflower).