Obituary of Loretta A. Pennington

Mom, Grandma, Great Gramma, Sister, Aunt, Friend Always, Loretta A. Pennington passed away September 15, 2023, in Olympia, Washington, her home of eight years.  Loretta was born October 25, 1942, to Stephen and Loretto Scotia in Butler, Pennsylvania. She met her dad at age 3 ½ when he returned from serving in Europe WWII and they moved from their city home in Butler to country and farm life in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  

 

Loretta graduated from Laurel High School, New Castle, and was the first in her family to attend college. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Mansfield State College in Pennsylvania, after which she taught high school home economics until marrying and starting a family with Emil Perencevic, whom she later divorced.

 

Loretta and Delbert Pennington married in the early 1970s. In 1978, Del and Loretta and her two children, Lorrie Jean and Sonny, moved to Seattle, Washington, where she began her career in accounting, which suited her since she had a talent with organization, math and numbers, always balancing her checkbook to the penny. She continued her education and advancing her career while employed in Medical Insurance Administration for Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington, where she remained until retirement.

 

Loretta was a devoted mom, aunt, gramma, and great grandma, always advocating for, attending, and participating in sports, gymnastic, dance, music and school events. She regularly attended performances given by members of her familly, and was a huge supporter of her nephew's vocal music groups.  She loved to listen to her family make music together while enjoying a single small margarita.

 

Loretta was down to earth, having learned responsibility at an early age, and so intelligent. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing books.  Loretta chose to be politically informed. She was passionate about women’s rights worldwide and the availability of accurate information. She was adamant about voting (no excuse!) and equal voting rights and opportunities for all. She attended rallies at the State Capital in Olympia, sometimes dressing the part and caring her sign on her walker.

 

Loretta was a caretaker. She saw to her son’s care in nursing facilities following a motorcycle injury in 2008 until his passing in 2022.  She relentlessly assisted with her mom’s hospice care and housed her sister, Jeannie, in hospice care (both in 2015), making good use of her medical finance and insurance background.

 

Loretta loved Seattle sports, especially HER Seahawks, and was able to share pertinent information about each player. She was a strong supporter of women in sports, advocating respect and equal pay. She would gladly enjoy live music and theatre over sitting through a movie.  She had a great sense of humor. Loretta was known for her homemade pot balm and marijuana cookies, converting many to the health benefits of her plant products.  She also enjoyed gardening, painting decorative rocks, and took pride in her colorful flowers on her corner lot. Loretta loved her cats and gave a loving home to Sami, her sister’s dog, after she passed.

 

Loretta valued her relationship with her granddaughter, Samantha Haydon; her great-grandchildren were an ongoing source of pride and joy.  She was looking forward to and planning her next trip to Anchorage, Alaska, to visit them in August of 2023 , when she entered the hospital in March.

 

Independence was so very important to Loretta.  She hated to ask for help. Even with increasing visual and physical limitations, Loretta was known throughout her neighborhood, driving her red scooter with her orange flag, even with a see-through dome umbrella for the rain. Staff at Trader Joe’s knew exactly how to pack her scooter bags for the trip home. “I can do this.”

 

Areas of disdain for Loretta included flying on airplanes, sand, ants, and especially anything Donald Trump.

 

During her life, Loretta endured much loss and hardship.  She survived breast cancer, diabetes, the loss of a husband and a son, and so much more.  She was one of the most resilient and down-to-earth people you could ever meet and, though it all, she generously gave love and support to the people around her.  Her laughter, smile and sense of humor were a constant source of light in the world.  She is deeply loved and missed.

 

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Lorrie Jean Perencevic of Oregon; grandchildren, Samantha Haydon (husband, James) of Alaska and Natanya Peck of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Cody, Kally, Calen, and Izabella of Alaska; sister, Tracy Osterhout (husband, Bill) of Olympia; brother, Steve Scotia of New Glouster, Maine; nieces, Arenda Chamberland of Maine and Megan Osterhout of Nevada; nephews, Aaron Best of Oregon, Drew Osterhout of Oregon, and Steve Scotia Jr. of Maine; her aunts, Millie Moore of Woodinville, Washington, and Sr. Therese Vaulet, OSF, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and numerous cousins. Loretta was predeceased by her husband, Delbert Pennington, in 1998; her father, Stephen Scotia, in 1965; mother, Loretto Scotia, in 2015; sister, Jeannie Best, in 2015; and son, Sonny “Sunshine” Perencevic in 2022.

 

There will be a private family farewell.

 

Loretta’s family acknowledges and appreciates the care and support provided by the staff both at Assured Home Health and at the Dada House, Loretta’s final residence in Olympia. Angels in disguise. Thank you also to OFD First Responders and Funeral Alternatives for their respectful response.

 

Donations? Think local food bank or Planned Parenthood.

 

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