Freida O. Penza

NORTH JACKSON – Freida O. Penza, 94, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Freida was born Dec. 21, 1930, in Girard, a daughter of the late Herman and Antonia Treck Perechlin, and was a lifelong area resident.

She was a 1948 graduate of Girard High School and worked as an administrative assistant at the Trumbull County Courthouse before her marriage. In the early years of their life together, she enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, John, visiting places such as Spain, France, England and Morocco.

After settling in North Jackson, Freida and John built a loving home where they raised their six children. She was known to cook for the masses — not only for her five growing boys and daughter, but for all of their friends. It was not unusual for a dozen pizzas to come out of her kitchen at once, ready to be devoured. Anyone who stopped at the Penza household knew they would be met with a warm welcome and a delicious home-cooked meal.

Once her children were older, Freida returned to work as an administrative assistant for Jackson-Milton Schools, serving at the high school.

Mrs. Penza was a longtime member of St. Rose Church in Girard and more recently attended St. James Church in North Jackson. She was also a member of S.N.P.J. Lodge.

In her leisure time, Freida enjoyed polka dancing with her sisters, cousins luncheons, playing cards almost every Sunday with her family, and taking fun-filled casino trips with her son Dan. They loved spending hours trying their luck on her favorite machines. She was also an enthusiastic sports fan who cheered for local teams, but her greatest joy came from supporting her children and grandchildren. Whether it was tennis, wrestling matches, 8-hour track meets, volleyball, softball, baseball or Friday night football games, she was always present and their biggest fan. Whether sitting in the stands, standing on the sidelines or watching from behind the fences, she was always there. Over the years, she watched — and kept score for — well over a thousand games.

Above all, Freida was a devoted mother through and through, and to many, a second mom. Her children were her greatest pride and joy, and she dedicated her entire life to raising them. Though words fall short of capturing all she gave, her family finds comfort in the countless memories, lessons and love she shared that will never fade.

Freida is survived by her six children, John M. Penza of Canfield, Sam (Beth) Penza of Powell, James Penza of Girard, Robert (Chris) Penza of North Jackson, Dan Penza of Girard and Marla Penza, with whom she shared her home for the past four years; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Her husband of 49 years, John L. Penza, whom she married Nov. 17, 1956, died April 1, 2005.

In addition to her husband and parents, Freida was preceded in death by three siblings, Hermina Pugel, Ernie Perechlin and Molly Muffley.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Traci Yuhasz, Sherry Mantz, Kim Bletso and Akeso Health Care — especially Jackie and Laurie — for the exceptional care, kindness and support they provided to Freida. The Penza family will always be grateful for the compassion shown during her final years.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Interment will follow at Girard Liberty Union Cemetery, where Freida will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.