Marie Penny (born 1896, d. 1970), also spelled Penney,[1] was a Canadian businesswoman who owned and operated one of the largest frozen-fish companies in Newfoundland during the 20th century.
She operated John Penny & Sons in Ramea from 1949 until her death in 1970, becoming known locally as "Queen of the Coast", and in 1967 she was the first female president of the Fisheries Council of Canada.
[1] By 1948, business was booming, and Penny made a donation of $25,000 to the Liberal Party of Canada, which at the time was considering her husband for a candidacy in the upcoming federal election.
[1] John Penny & Sons became one of the largest frozen-fish companies in Newfoundland, and received a number of substantial loans from the provincial government.
[5] She was once invited by the Governor General of Canada to meet Queen Elizabeth II at a dinner at Rideau Hall, an event which she considered one of the highlights of her life.