Penelope “Penny” Daly, retired Northport High School English teacher, passed away on January 17 at the age of 91. Penny was predeceased by her former husband, Russ Daly, and her son, Chris Daly. She is survived by daughters, Carol Gaughran and Tracy Janes; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Penny was born on July 17, 1934 at a WPA writers’ camp in West Virginia. She was raised in Milford, Connecticut by her parents, Jack Devine, an editor for the Bridgeport Herald, and Dorothy Devine, a travel agent with Barnum Travel, who inspired her lifelong love of education, reading, and travel. Penny attended Lauralton Hall and Milford High School and later earned her BA from the University of Connecticut and her MA from Stony Brook University. 

Penny moved to Northport in 1964 and taught at NHS for twenty years. A dedicated and compassionate educator, Penny cared deeply about her students and consistently challenged them to learn. She was heavily involved with the Northport High School Learning Center and was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 

Penny’s love of books led her to a second career as an antiquarian bookseller. She founded WellRead Books, selling rare and collectible books online and at book shows throughout the East Coast. She was a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America and the Long Island Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association. 

Travel was one of Penny’s great joys. She explored the world extensively, often traveling with her children and later grandchildren, sharing with them a deep interest in history, culture, and adventure. 

A celebration of Penny’s life will be held in Northport in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewis Oliver Farm.

R-UTN members who have memories of Penny they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.