Penelope Kimball Komadina

Penelope “Penny” Kimball Porter Komadina, 81, of Corrales, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 28, 1945, in Long Beach, California, Penny was the daughter of Captain William Morgan Porter, US Navy, and Dorothy Davis Porter. Because of her father's military service, the family moved frequently during her childhood before eventually settling in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Penny graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1964 and later attended the University of New Mexico, where she met the love of her life, Steven Anthony Komadina.

Penny and Steve were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 10, 1967. Together they built a loving home and raised six children in New Mexico. Their growing family brought Penny immense joy, and she took special pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Penny gave tirelessly of herself in service to those she loved. She was known for her kindness, gentle spirit, and gift for making others feel welcomed and valued. Whether caring for her family, supporting her children's activities, or helping a friend in need, she approached life with quiet strength and generosity. She also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was known to laugh at the most inappropriate times, often explaining with a smile that "laughing is better than crying." That perspective carried her through life's challenges and brought comfort and levity to those around her.

Penny served as PTA President at Los Ranchos Elementary and was a beloved room mother in her children's classrooms. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, she served in many callings, including Primary President, Young Women leader, and ward librarian. She especially loved her years as librarian in the Cibola Ward, where she became known for handing out little yellow rubber ducks to friends and loved ones as small tokens of affection, encouragement, and cheer.

One of Penny's greatest passions was the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For more than 45 years, she faithfully attended the event and crewed for the family's Stork balloon, piloted by her husband. The Balloon Fiesta became a treasured family tradition and a source of countless cherished memories.

Penny is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Steven Anthony Komadina, M.D., former New Mexico State Senator, of Corrales, New Mexico; her children and their spouses: Jennifer (Stephen) Christiansen of Corrales, New Mexico; Amy (Ryan) Whitney of Corrales, New Mexico; Rebecca “Becky” (Brad) Lund of Laguna Beach, California; Neal (Teresa) Komadina of Queen Creek, Arizona; and Mark (Staci) Komadina of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; her sisters, Patricia (Bob) Woodard of San Diego, California, and Pamela Porter (Scott Vance) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; her brother, William Porter of Mililani Town, Hawaii; 21 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Spencer Kimball Komadina; her father, Captain William Morgan Porter, US Navy; her mother, Dorothy Davis Porter; and her stepmother, Rilla Lane Porter.

Funeral Services begin 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints Seven Bar Loop, 4500 Seven Bar Loop, Albuquerque, NM 87114.  Stephen Christianson will preside.