Veronica McKelvey Smith Gant Penn, 91, of Whiting, passed away Friday, June 30, 2017 at AristaCare at Whiting. Born in Lakewood, NJ, she lived in the Ocean County area most of her life. Veronica was a telephone operator for Fort Evans in Monmouth County. She also worked at Great Adventure, Jackson in the Safari Park at the gate. She showed Dachshunds at Dog Shows, volunteered at the Brick Animal Shelter and loved all animals. Veronica was predeceased by two husbands, her first husband, Paul Gant and her second husband, Arden Penn in 1990. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Melissa Gant in 1976. She is survived by five children, Paul E. Gant and his wife, Rita Ann of Toms River, Cynthia Goldberg of Whiting, Claudia Gant of Wall Twp., Robin Murrin and her husband, Richard of Forked River and Glenn H. Gant and his wife, Rebecca of Forked River; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.