Penny Howard

Naomi "Penny" Howard

May 7, 1922 - Oct 23, 2023

Penny's dedication and support to the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce will never be forgotten. She was a member of the Fair Oaks Chamber since 1998. She had a beautiful soul and spirit at her young age of 101+. She ran for Fair Oaks Honorary Mayor twice, once in 2006 and 2020 and won both times. We honored her with carrying the title over in 2021, as we had no one interested in wanting to take on the challenge that year. During her years of campaigning for her charities she raised a total of $16,997.89 for her community. In 2006 she raised money for the St. Francis Red Wagon Project and in 2020 she raised money for Del Campo High School. Penny had amazing stories to always share with you, as you can only imagine 100 years of life and the changes she saw along the way. We loved seeing her at almost every chamber event, until she couldn't come anymore within the last year. She truly lived life to the fullest! Our little town will miss her dearly!

American River Messenger Story

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, with a designation of either a memorial bench in Penny’s honor, or St. Clement’s Episcopal Church. Donate online at Penny Howard, or mail to FOCC, P.O. Box 352, Fair Oaks 95628

St. Clement’s Episcopal Church

Memorial Bench

2020 - Campaign

Penny Howard is a long-time Fair Oaks’ resident. She has been a member of the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce since 1998, representing her church, Saint Francis Episcopal. After her church closed its doors in 2018, Penny continued on with the chamber as a resident member.
In 2006, Penny ran for and became the 27th Honorary Mayor of Fair Oaks. She raised a total of $8,244.85 which half was donated for her church’s program “Red Wagon Ministries”, and for St. John’s Women’s Shelter. Penny has continued to be involved with the chamber, attending monthly luncheons and mixers over the last twenty years, as well as attending various chamber-sponsored community events and fundraisers. She was awarded “Citizen of the Year” for 2017 and proudly rode in the Christmas Parade in 2018.
After much persuasion from fellow chamber members, Penny agreed to throw her hat in the 2020 Honorary Mayor race. This time Penny is going to raise money for Del Campo High School’s “Visual and Performing Arts” program. Penny chose this school’s program because three of her children attended Del Campo, and because Penny is an accomplished artist. If Penny wins this year’s honorary mayor race, she will become the oldest "Mayor" at the very young age of 98!!

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a little History
Founded back in 1979 by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce. Since Fair Oaks is part of the Unincorporated area of Sacramento County and we do not have a Mayor of Fair Oaks, the chamber thought this would be the next best thing plus they thought it would be a great way to Promote Fair Oaks Businesses and raise money for the chamber and the community. The Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce Honorary Mayor Campaign is a non-political event, it is determined by the candidate who raises the most money during the 5 month campaign. Each dollar raised counts as 1 vote. The proceeds raised from each candidate will have a 50/50 split between the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, and the charity of the candidate’s choice (approved by the FOCC Board of Directors). The winner will be announced in October of 2024.
This event has raised funds a total of $562,306.95 of which half has been given back to the Fair Oaks Community over its 45 years.