PENO (Nee Rumley)
Kay Maree
Late of Belmont
Kay was born in Cessnock NSW on 15 July 1956.
Kay passed away on Saturday 12 August 2023 at Newcastle Private Hospital and a celebration of her life was held on Monday 21 August 2023 (3pm-6pm).
It is now twelve months since Kay passed away and she is sadly missed by Rob, Cameron, Amy, Archie, Hazel, Jarrod, Bianca, Lennox, Jean, Sue, Lynne, John, friends, relatives, past work colleagues and professional associates.
From the first in her family to go to university, to retirement as School Education Director – East Lake Macquarie covering approximately 40 schools.
Kay was an admired educator and mentor to many in the Education sector. Having served in executive roles at Narrabri High, Swansea High, Newcastle High, Toronto High as well as with DOE Equity and Vocational Education consultancy and with the Board of Studies. She served over 7 years as Principal of Lisarow High on the Central Coast and 10 years as School Education Director, supporting participating students, teachers and Principals of East Lake Macquarie.
Kay had a long affiliation with Hunter TAFE through the Hunter TAFE Advisory Committee and the Hunter TAFE Foundation.
The role she wanted above all else, that of an on-going presence in the lives of her grandchildren Archie Peno, Hazel Peno and Lennox Peno.
The family appreciated the large number of attendees at the celebration of her life, the flowers, plants, service letter/medal, cards, emails, text messages and telephone calls.
A Memorial Wall has been established at Wiripaang Primary School in 2023 to recognise Kay’s contribution to the amalgamation of the schools Gateshead West and Gateshead, creating Wiripaang Public School in 2013.
The Hunter TAFE Foundation has established in 2024, the Kay Peno Encouragement Award in memory of long-term Hunter TAFE Foundation Board Director, Kay Peno. The award supports students in their chosen career path, encouraging future female leaders into the workforce.
“…. But at my back I always hear,
Time’s winged chariot hurrying near ….”