Obituary of Irene Costella Penniman

Mrs. Penniman passed away at home peacefully of old age surrounded by her loving family. Born in Santa Cruz to Italian immigrants Tranquillino Costella and Mary (Malchiodi) Costella. Irene attended Grant School, Mission Hill Jr. High School, and graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1933. After graduating she worked as a telephone operator with her high school girlfriends at "The Telephone Company". In 1938 she met Warren Penniman (SCHS Class 1931), they fell in love and were married at the Santa Cruz Mission in 1939. (The replica her father and brothers had helped to build, it still stands today.) Warren and Irene had four children. She was preceded in death by her husband Warren Hall Penniman (of Penniman Title Co.), brothers Adolph and Reno Costella and great-grandson Peter Lenz. Mrs. Penniman was a lifelong parishioner of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. She was a member of the Blue Triangle Club, the Young Ladies Institute, Martha's Helpers, the Brookdale Club, and the Coasters. Irene belonged to many other groups in her long 98 years of volunteering. She was a favorite Cub Scout Den Mother and a loyal Shopper's Corner customer since it's opening in 1939. Her generosity in opening her home for large family gatherings, club dinners, church retreats, and bridal preparations will be well remembered. An elegant and graceful lady, she enjoyed singing with the Holy Cross Choir. Also, up until recently, she hosted bridge with her dear lady friends of many years. Survivors include her four children; Warren Jr. (Kelly), Edward, Cynthia (Andrew Lenz), and Mark (Gail) and her sister-in-law Sophie (Poletti) Costella and nephew T. Frank Costella. Irene had 11 grand children; Adam, Nathan, David, Ian, Joseph, and Samuel Penniman; Andrew, John, Diane (Bokulich), Michael, and Matthew Lenz; as well as 16 great-grandchildren. A Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church on May 12 at 11 a.m. A reception afterward honoring the life of Irene Penniman is at the Holy Cross Parish Hall. A private interment will follow. The family is most grateful and wishes to thank Hospice of Santa Cruz County and Visiting Angels, and Dr. David Beck for their help and loving care. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Holy Cross Church Improvement Fund, The Holy Cross Choir and Organ Fund, The Santa Cruz Art League or a charity of your choice.