Simonson, Penelope Murdoch

Penelope Murdoch Simonson (California-Berkeley, 1909) was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She enrolled in the School of Architecture at the University of California, where she joined Eta Chapter (California-Berkeley). She was Eta Chapter President during 1911, and she attended the 1911 Convention as the chapter delegate.

After graduating, Penelope taught boys engineering and architectural drawing at a Los Angeles high school. She eventually married George Metcalfe Simonson, and the couple moved to Sacramento, California, where they had two children. She was active in community affairs and performed personnel work for a Community Chest agency, along with other philanthropic work.

Penelope had a long record of service and devotion to Gamma Phi Beta. Before their family moved away from Sacramento, she organized the Sacramento Alumnae Chapter and served as its president. Penelope also served as president of the Berkeley Alumnae Chapter, Vice President of Gamma Phi Beta and chairman of finance through the years. Penelope was elected Grand President in 1946 and served until 1950.