Anita Penman, age 64, owner and operator of Vine Street Florist died Saturday October 29th at Lygnblomsten Care Center in St. Paul following a brief illness. Anita was born on September 30, 1947 in River Falls, the daughter of Robert and Charlotte (Hughes) Penman. She graduated from Hudson High School prior to furthering her education at Globe Business College. Anita’s passion and gift was arranging flowers. She worked for Jim Stewart at Vine Street Florist until Jim’s death, when she purchased the business. Anita was an exceptional florist whose floral arrangements were transcended into forms of art. She was active with the chamber of commerce in helping promote and preserving the downtown region. Although she was well known to many, she was a private person. Her fiery, honest, approach and sharp humor was appreciated by those who knew her best.

Anita is survived by her mother Charlotte Penman of Hudson, daughter Melissa (Rick) Ollerman of Littleton, New Hampshire and their children Sabrina and Ricky, daughter-in-heart Gabby (Tony) Joseph and their children Julia and Spencer. She is preceded in death by her father Robert Penman.

A Time to Reflect on Anita’s life will be on Friday November 4th from 4pm until 7pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. Her life will continue to be celebrated immediately following the service at Vine Street Florist, 527 Vine Street in Hudson. Private burial will be in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. In Lieu of flowers, Memorials are preferred and will be used to continue Anita’s passions in life. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.