Beverly Ann Penning's Obituary
Decatur – Penning, Beverly Ann (Brumaster), 79, died June 22, 2014, at home surrounded by her family.
Beverly was born December 23, 1934 in Decatur, IL, daughter of Charles E. and Edna M. (Clements) Brumaster. She graduated from St. Teresa High School (’52) and St. John’s Nursing School (’55). She worked as a surgical nurse in Decatur at Old St. Mary’s Hospital and Wabash Memorial Hospital and in St. Louis at Missouri Pacific Hospital and Incarnate Word Hospital. She met H. Lawrence (Larry) Penning from Springfield and married him at St. Thomas Church in Decatur in 1957. Beverly was a devoted wife and mother. She was involved in many organizations including: Macon County Medical Society Auxiliary, Muffley School PTA, Decatur Day Care Board, Decatur Symphony Guild, SAI Musical Fraternity, and most near and dear to her heart, PEO Chapter MH. Beverly helped establish the Holy Family Church Sister Parish Program. She completed the Diocesan Pastoral Ministry Program. She ministered to the sick, homebound and bereaved of Holy Family Parish. She was a breast cancer survivor of 32 years, and served as a resource for others diagnosed with breast cancer. A faithful member of Holy Family Parish, she also enjoyed playing tennis, sewing and reading. Her greatest passion, however, was her family: her husband, four girls “the sisterhood” and their children. She especially loved to learn new things, travel, and cook with Larry. Beverly lit up a room with her infectious laugh, zest for life, love of family, commitment to community, and devotion to her faith.
Special thanks to doctors Bilyeu and Tuan, the nurses of St. Mary’s Hospital Orthopaedic services, St. John’s Home Health Hospice nurses, Decatur Ambulance Service and Mrs. Cindy Stettner for their excellent and compassionate care.
Beverly will be greatly missed by her husband and her daughters and sons-in-law: Carrie (Terry) Penning Bush of Champaign, IL; Michele (John) Garvey III of Ft. Mitchell, KY; Sarah Shupenus of Decatur, IL; and Katherine (Chris) Smith of Decatur. Her favorite title was “Mimi” as she was called by her grandchildren: Charlotte Beverly Penning Bush; Caroline, Jack and Reagan Garvey; Mary and Andrew Shupenus; and Charlie, Lewis and Ellie Smith. Beverly is survived by Joyce (Henry) Brumaster, many nieces and nephews, cousins and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James (Jim) Brumaster.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2400 S. Franklin St., Decatur, IL 62521. Private family burial will take place in Mt. Gilead Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic School.
The Penning family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur IL 62526. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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