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Arlene Pennella Obituary
Arlene was born May 20, 1939, in Hartford and was the only child of Irwin and Elsie (Meyer) Maher. She attended and graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford, the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing in Boston, Mass. (1960) and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. (1963). Before her retirement, Arlene was employed by Aetna Insurance Co. as an Employee Health Nurse.
Arlene married John T. Leander of Manchester in May 1965, and had two children, Kristen (Leander) Morrison and Eric T. Leander. They were married 18 years before John passed away in 1983. Arlene married Daniel Pennella of Old Lyme in September 1997, and the couple was married 19 years before Dan's passing in 2017.
Arlene is survived by her children, Kristen and Eric, her stepdaughter Susan (Pennella) Steady and Susan's husband, Brian; her grandchildren, Emily Morrison, Abby Morrison, Joseph Steady and wife Amber Steady, Anthony Steady, Matthew Pennella and Dani Pennella; and her former sister-in-law Martha Leander. She was also blessed to have many dear friends who were like family to her.
In addition to her parents and husbands, John and Daniel, Arlene is predeceased by her niece Karen (Rosenberger) Yahara; nephew Bryan Rosenberger; and stepson John Pennella.
Services and burial to be determined at a future date by the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brave of Heart Fund https://braveofheartfund.e4erelief.org/.
Please stay safe and always wear a mask.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Pennella
Sponsored by Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service.
4 Entries
Rachel Coutu
December 15, 2020
My condolences to the family. She was a wonderful woman who was always smiling.
Katherine O'Meara McKersie
December 15, 2020
To the entire Leander Pennella family:
Our family were childhood friends with Kristen and Eric.
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Leander-Pennella from that time. She was a warm smile, and encouraging presence, a devoted Mom and a dedicated parent. In short, amazing! I We will keep all of you in our prayers, and pray for you at this time of loss.
alex papathanasiou
December 14, 2020
To the Pennella and Steady Families,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. +May her memory be eternal+ Amen
Barbara W Panico
December 13, 2020
Kris and Eric, I'm so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I worked With Arlene at Aetna for 11 years and considered her a very good friend. We had visited in West Hartford with the Aetna nursing crew, on Cape Cod with my family and in Old Lyme for lunch. Arlene had the best laugh and loved how my youngest, who shares a 5/20 birthday with Arlene, called her, “Ahleen.” I hope your memories bring you comfort at this sad time. ♥
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