She was born on August 16, 1922 in West Bath, a daughter of Frank and Rita White Durant. She attended Bath schools and graduated from Morse High School in 1941. Following graduation, she was employed by the Safety Department at Bath Iron Works. On December 12, 1944, she married Leon B. Pennell of Bath at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. In 1945 they returned to Bath and began raising a family.
A wonderful cook and homemaker, “Grammy Cora” was renowned for her delicious brownies and beloved for her nurturing ways. She made lifelong friends wherever she went, including during the 8 years the family resided in Penacook, New Hampshire. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, whether at the beach, aboard the “Afta Five,” or at the “Duck Camp.” She took great joy in cooking for her large family, her many friends, and all the children in the school lunch programs in Penacook and Bath. She was especially close to and proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved supporting their many endeavors.
Surviving are her husband of 67 years, “Penn” of Bath; her daughters Joyce Marco (“Daughter #2”) and husband Gil of Phippsburg, Jan Morse (“Daughter #3”) and companion Bob Graves of Bath, Lynne Atkinson (“Daughter # 4”) of Bath, and Jeanne McNeill (“Daughter #5”) of Bath; her honorary “Daughter #6” Sue Rodgers and husband Phil of West Bath; her 7 grandchildren Joey and Jason Marco, Josh and Jack Harte, Jillian Atkinson, and Jake and Jacelyn McNeill; her 3 great-grandchildren Avery and Deirdre Harte, and Wyatt Marco; her sisters Mary Mathieu and Audrey Trafton; her brother Andrew Long; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; her sister Edna Lee; her brothers Austin Durant, Gene Libby and Fred Bolduc; her daughter Lee Pennell (“ Daughter # 1”); and her granddaughter Amanda Marco.
Cora was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Bath, where a memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.
Her family deeply appreciates the compassionate care Cora received during her final days at the Bodwell Unit of the Mid Coast Senior Health Center in Brunswick. Memorial contributions in her name may be made there, or to the charity of one’s choice.
A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln Street, Bath.
Arrangements are by Desmond Funeral Homes. To share your thoughts and condolences with Cora’s family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
