Ellen Lorraine Perna

Ellen “Peggy” Shannon Perna, 1926 - 2024

 Ellen Shannon Perna was born on August 7, 1926 in Colonial Beach, VA to Ray Garner Shannon and Laurence Preston Shannon. Laurence unexpectedly died before Peggy was born, so she never knew her father. She was one of what would eventually be seven siblings who grew up in Washington, DC and Maryland. She was active in the Barney Neighborhood Theatre, enjoyed music, roller and ice skating, basketball and many community events that her mother got them involved in to support and assist others. The family was especially dedicated to supporting and encouraging both soldiers (WWII, of course) and injured veterans from the Old Soldiers Home in the District. Upon graduation from her High School secretarial program at 16, she began her 20-year career with the Department of Agriculture. She met and married her beloved husband, Louis Robert (Bob) Perna, during this time and was a supportive and flexible wife during his years of medical training and the set-up of his general surgery practice. 

The Pernas had 3 children between 1962 and 1966, following Dr. Perna’s career and living in Bethesda, Camp Springs and LaPlata, Maryland. Her husband and children meant the world to Peggy and remained the center of her life. She supported their interests and always encouraged them to lead lives of faith with kindness and generosity. Those values echoed in the arrivals of her 7 grandchildren, each was greeted with great joy and she wore the title of “Nana” with pride. 

Peggy was a serious bowler for most of her life, bowling twice a week and travelling the country with these lifelong friends to compete in national tournaments once her children were grown. She only stopped league bowling in her late 80’s.

Peggy was a committed Christian, doing her best to encourage others to allow God’s love and mercy into their lives. She will be best remembered by all who knew her for her faith, patriotism, love of her family and friends, and generosity to others. She usually asked only that people she helped would help others when they had the opportunity.

Peggy is preceded in death by her dear husband and her six siblings. She is survived by her three children, Mary Ellen (Gwynn), Robert Louis Perna and Peggy Ann (Murphy); seven grandchildren, Elena (Gwynn) Barrett, Michael Gwynn, Kelly Perna, Nicholas Perna, Kristi Ann Murphy, Bryant Joseph Murphy and Meggen Murphy; three great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and family friends.

A brief service will be held at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham on November 6th at 1:45 pm. Private burial will follow.