In memoriam: Stephanie L. "Penney" Dodson

Stephanie "Penney" Dodson, 45, president and owner of Design Partners Inc., an association of lighting designers and directors of photography in Hollywood, died at her home in Calabasas, CA, on July 4 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

Dodson was named vice president of Imero Fiorentino Associates at age 25. She left IFA in 1983 and with Bill Klages formed The Klages Group Inc., an association of lighting designers. She rapidly established the Klages Group as a driving industry force worldwide. Two years ago, Dodson became the sole owner of the company, renaming it Design Partners Inc. The company intends to continue her legacy.

Dodson is survived by her husband of 23 years, Norm Dodson, her two children, Michael and Julie Dodson, her parents, Harold and Shirley Samson, her brother, Mark Samson, and her sister, Terry Milner, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. The family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Penney Dodson's memory.