Obituary of Rita Jean Penny

Rita Jean Penny, age 69, of Ansonia, beloved wife of the late George J. Penny, died Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Griffin Hospital with her family by her side.  Born in Bridgeport on October 16, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Stephen Lyons and Nora Nolan.  Mrs. Penny was raised in Bridgeport, a graduate of Harding High School and worked as a Lunch Aide for the Bridgeport Public School System for many years, until the time of her retirement.  She enjoyed playing gin rummy, watching her TV shows – especially “CSI” and trips to the beauty salon for a hairdo and manicure.  Mrs. Penny loved spending time with her family and will be truly missed this holiday season.  She is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews, Margaret (Eric) Rivera of Ansonia, James (Linda) Nolan of Ansonia, Malinda (Raul) Nazario of Cromwell, and Sherry (Donald) Simmonds of FL; sister, Linda Penny of Ansonia and sister-in-law, Barbara Nolan of Ansonia; and Nixa Torres of FL, whom she loved as a daughter; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by brothers, Anthony and Francis Nolan and brother-in-law, Johnny Penny.   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at 10:00 AM in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 300 Research Pkwy. Meriden, CT 06450, www.diabetes.org.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com