Obituary of Mary Louise Penk

Mrs. Mary Louise Penk (nee Campbell), 76, of Union died peacefully Monday afternoon July 20, surrounded by her family at the home of her daughter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. on Friday morning July 24, 2009, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 1212 Kelly St., Union. Burial will follow at St. Theresa's Cemetery in Summit. Friends are welcome to pay their respects on Thursday, July 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Ave., Maplewood. Born and raised in Irvington, Mary moved to Union 50 years ago with her husband of 56 years, Medford A. Penk. There, they raised five children and were blessed with 12 grandchildren. Surviving are her children, Mr. Michael A. Penk of Glassboro and his wife, Phyllis, and their children, Laurie, Maggie, Stephanie and Timothy; Mr. Steven Penk of Edison and his wife, Lynne, and their children, Gregory and Matthew; Mr. Timothy Penk of Mountainside and his wife, Patricia, and their son, Ryan; Mr. Christopher Penk of Lincroft and Gina Penk of Lincroft and their children, Samantha and Christian, and Mrs. Maureen Hess of Mountainside and her husband, Cornell, and their children, Sean, Kyle and Nora. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Griffith and brother, Jim Campbell, as well as many nieces and nephews. During their 50 years in Union, Mary and Med have been faithful parishioners of St. Michael's Church in Union. Mary was active in both the school and church as a basketball coach and a volunteer. She was a longtime member of the St. Michael's Ladies Bowling League where she enjoyed her friendships even more than the bowling! Mary also enjoyed playing softball and volleyball with many of the same friends. Of all her passions, none compared to Mary's grandchildren. When they spent time with her, they were showered with love and attention. Even 'till late in life it was not uncommon for Mary to be reading books, attending a ball game or school function or playing in a makeshift living room tent with any one of them. In lieu of flowers, donations to Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1900 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 would be appreciated.