Mary Bridget Penzkowski

Racine- Mary Bridget Penzkowski, 74, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. A lifetime resident, Mary was born in Racine on September 9, 1932 to Bernard and Merva (nee: Menard) Reidy. Mary graduated from St. Catherine’s High School – Class of 1950, and went on to earn her nursing degree. However, she proudly chose her lifelong career as being a homemaker. On July 12, 1958 in St. Rose Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Edward John Penzkowski, who preceded her in death on February 3, 1998. Mary was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and, formerly, of St. Rose Catholic Church. An accomplished musician both vocally and as a pianist, she shared her vocal gift by singing with the choirs of St. Lucy and St. Rose; and with the Racine Chorale. In her spare time, she volunteered as a 1st grade reading tutor at SC Johnson School and spent countless volunteer hours at area nursing homes. Among her interests, she was an avid reader, was fond of swimming with her friends at the YWCA and enjoyed socializing with her fellow residents at Lake Oaks. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family. Surviving are her daughters, Tara (Cory) Schmidt of Racine and Lisa (Andrew) Keats of Burlington; grandsons, Cody, James and Wyatt Keats of Burlington; her mother, Merva Reidy of Racine; and brother, Patrick (Sarah) Reidy of Sturtevant; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Reidy. In accordance with Mary’s wishes, a private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated with her immediate family at St. Lucy Catholic Church. Interment followed in West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Mary, memorials to St. Lucy Church have been suggested.