Service Details
The family held a private memorial service.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Sue’s honor.
Susan “Sue” (Penzkowski) McNulty passed away February 28th, 2025 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. Born June 16th, 1949 to Audrey (Lewandoski) and Chester Penzkowski in Racine, Sue lived in both Racine and Kenosha at different points in her life.
A graduate of Horlick High School, Sue worked for Haban Manufacturing in Racine for a number of years as a secretary, followed by a job as a secretary for Racine Montessori School while her kids attended, putting her typing and meticulous filing skills to work. One of her favorite stories from her time at Haban include when someone played a prank on her by putting a mouse in her desk drawer and asking her to hand over a pencil—and she played it off as if seeing a creature in her drawer were an everyday thing. At RMS, she loved her co-workers and the students, especially when the kids visited the staff offices to see the latest books that had come in at the school bookstore. She spent many years as a homemaker raising her two children as well.
An avid reader who could go through a book a day at times, she passed on her love for reading to her children. Too shy to pursue her dreams of becoming an author herself, she was delighted to see one of her kids publish dozens of books and pursue a career in the industry, bragging about it to anyone who would listen. She loved stuffed animals, classic movies, board games, computer games, game shows, the weather, chocolate, tea, and coffee. She found solace in watching birds from her window and had great affection for the numerous cats she and her daughters welcomed into their lives. She traveled often across the country when her kids were growing up, fulfilling her longtime dreams of visiting Niagara Falls and both New York City and Disney World on multiple occasions.
The obstacles life threw at her were never enough to fully diminish her spirits and her joy for living.
Her greatest joys were her children, and she always said she was lucky to have her talented, beautiful, caring girls in her life. She is survived by her daughters, Sara (Anthony Olson) McNulty and Amy McNulty, along with Amy’s friend, Cameron Sherber. Both Cameron and Anthony showed her kindness, helped care for her, and were like the sons she never had. She’s also survived by siblings Debra (Jeffrey) Tanking and Ronald (Rozely) Penzkowski, as well as her nieces and nephew, Amanda Roslansky, Alissa Roslansky, and Nathan Tanking, all of whom were known to share stories with her and make her laugh. She was preceded in death by her parents and many cherished aunts and uncles.
Sue’s family would like to thank the caring teams of doctors, nurses, and aides at St. Luke’s and Aurora Medical Center – Mt. Pleasant during her last week, people who gave her hope and often shared a laugh with her during her stay. We also appreciate the kindness from her favorite nurses, aides, and staff members at Ridgewood Care Center and Manor of Kenosha, who made her feel better during a difficult time in her life.
The family held a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Sue’s honor.
Rita C. Lewis says
I’m so sad to hear this news. As a newly hired Administrator of Racine Montessori School and feeling overwhelmed, Sue was my lifeline. In her quiet way, she was my guide through those early months and became a dear and trusted friend. She was smart and capable and so trustworthy. She loved her daughters, loved books, and loved Racine Montessori. My heart goes out to Sara and Amy, and I send them my love and prayers.