Pearlann "Penny" Nepa

Penny was born on December 11, 1942 in Wilmington, Delaware to Leonard and Louise Nepa.  Though she was an only child, she was raised in a large Italian and very supportive family. Since her parents lived close to the aunts, uncles, and grandparents, Penny’s Mom liked to say she was the “darling” of the family.  Her music teacher also told her mom that Penny had “Perfect Pitch.”

She went to Padua Academy through High School, then the University of Delaware.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in teaching.  She had a varied career, from working at Dupont, to selling and troubleshooting copiers for Honeywell.  Her family frequently vacationed in South Florida as she grew up.  Her beauty, personality, love of music, and friendly smile brought her many, many friends, even some friendly celebrities.

In the early 1990’s she had enough of the cold weather and the vagabond existence.  She moved to Boca Raton, Florida with her mother, Louise.  Their combined love of casinos, slot machines, and poker was perfect in the South Florida area, where casinos are plentiful.   Penny was hired by Siemen’s and worked there in the Boca plant until they downsized.  She was cured of her throat cancer and cured of smoking in the early 90’s. She and Louise went on cruises with her good friends.  She was a wonderful daughter, caring for her mom, as her mom’s health deteriorated. She was also a staunch Republican, helping in local campaigns, rallying around the flag, and would man the voter booths as needed.

She loved her dog.  Dogs, plural.  She used to be teased by others, as she was always caring for them as her children.  “Better than most mothers”, she would say.

Penny will be remembered by loved ones for her wonderful Italian cooking, her entertaining, and her happiness in greeting us.   She’d usually say, “Hello Sweetpea” when she answered the phone.  She loved Louie, her Uncle Sandy, relatives, friends, dogs, a good joke, and music.

She had a fall in her home before Thanksgiving, had multiple broken ribs and other injuries.  She was sent to Delray Medical Trauma ICU, where she also underwent surgery. She never fully recovered and chose Hospice care for her final days.  She will be sorely missed by all, but we know she’s with her parents in a better place.

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