On January 6th, 2025, Penka Lessova, aka ‘Pepi’ left this world to be reunited with the many friends, family and other loved ones who had gone before her. She was 95. This beautiful, intelligent woman, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, caregiver and friend was known for the vivacious way she lived and shared her joy with others. From an early age, her indomitable spirit carried her through the difficult times of the Nazi and then Communist occupation of her beloved Bulgaria. Speaking four or five languages, she became an English teacher for the children of diplomats in Sophia, Bulgaria, later then emigrated to the United States, where she met and married her late husband, Edwin (Ed) Grove and was granted the American citizenship of which she was so proud.

Throughout her life, Penka radiated a joy in living that she shared with others via the many photographs she shared which showed her smack in the middle of action. She loved music, especially the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and she was pictured on the stage (guitar in hand) at her visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She traveled extensively, joining in local activities and taking pictures to share the good times at home. Always meticulously dressed, she threw herself into the culture and couture of the places she visited, panning for gold and dog sledding in Alaska, touring China and Japan where she donned a Kimono, and joining in costume, in the national dances of her home away from home, Santa Domingo. She toured most of Europe and kept up a lively correspondence with Queen Elizabeth via her ‘ladies in waiting’.

Penka was a force of nature, actively engaged with the people and events around her until the last few months of her life. She was pre-deceased by her husband Edwin Grove, her beloved son, George Lessova, her parents, Maria and Pencho Popov and her sisters, Ina and Veska. She will be sincerely and sorely missed by the many friends she leaves behind who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Colonial Ramsay Funeral Home, 275 South Main Street, Liberty, NY 12754. A Celebration of Penka’s life will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with friends encouraged to share their favorite memories and stories of Penka. Reception to follow at the White Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church Hall at 3318 State Route 52, White Sulphur Springs, NY 12787

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Ramsay Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-292-7160 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.