R. Susan Penn's Obituary
Rosalie Susan (“Sue”) Penn, age 82, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Born on October 13, 1943, in Paterson, New Jersey, Sue was the beloved daughter of Mark Schneider and Mildred Picon. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and Virginia Commonwealth University and began her career as a special education teacher before later serving as a procurement officer for the Veterans Administration.
Sue was known for her empathetic heart, sharp wit, loyal friendships, and adventurous spirit. An avid reader - especially of dynasty biographies - a Jeopardy! savant, a lifelong bridge player, and always ready to travel at a moment’s notice to celebrate the successes of her children and grandchildren, she embodied what it meant to truly show up for the people she loved.
Her greatest joy was time spent with family - particularly when she was beating everyone at gin rummy. Those who knew Sue will remember her for her silliness: cooking a whole chicken per person at dinner parties, serving Froot Loops with water to her nieces, talking to the lizards, and countless other beloved “Sue-isms” that brought smiles and laughter to every room she entered.
She is survived by Vincent Charles Howard; her daughters, Ilene Penn (Craig Miller) and Julie Penn Robinson (Thomas Robinson); her stepson, Sean Howard; her grandchildren, Mark, Max, Samantha, and Mariah; her “sisters by choice,” Michele Piken and Doreen Hartman; and a wide circle of extended family and friends.
In honoring her wishes, Sue will be cremated. A celebration of life is being planned, and details will be shared with family and friends in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in her beloved city of Boston.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Allegro Memory Care and Trustbridge Hospice, who were essential members of her care village and provided compassionate support.
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