Marilyn Rochelle Pennell – who was also known as “Skipper,” “Stella,” “Mom” and “Nana” –passed away peacefully March 18, 2022.
Marilyn was born Sept. 15, 1937 to Howard Savacool and Jeanette Rush in Souderton, Pennsylvania. She spent her childhood years on 12th Street in Quakertown, Pennsylvania with her sister Judy. She excelled in sports at Quakertown High School and was most proud of acting as captain of her field hockey team. After graduating, she attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Pennsylvania and met her soon-to-be husband Richard Pennell. Together they had two children and moved all over the country, experiencing the North, South, East and West, until settling in Monmouth Beach in 1975.
Marilyn remained in Monmouth Beach near her daughters and grandchildren for 46 years. She was very proud of her career as a Registered Nurse at Riverview Medical Center and also her private practice for addiction counseling. Upon retirement, she got involved with the Monmouth Beach Beautification Committee, the Shade Tree Commission and the Sand Pipers Club. She enjoyed the beach, working in her yard, decorating, crosswords and spending time with her five grandchildren. Breakfast at Nana’s was always an option.
Marilyn was a very patient, loving and kind person to all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her parents Howard and Jeanette Savacool, her sister Judy and her nephew Scott. She is survived by her children, Kim Britton and Chris Wood of Monmouth Beach, Andrea Compton and her husband Paul Compton of Brooklyn, and her grandchildren, Nicole, Lauren, Jack, Taeson and Tachel. She is also survived by her niece and nephews, Craig, Kelly and Mark.
Anyone who wishes to honor Marilyn’s life is asked to make a contribution to Lunch Break in Red Bank at lunchbreak.org. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence online at damianofuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the March 31 – April 6, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
