Mary Rosina Pennybacker

Mary Rosina Pennybacker, entered eternal rest Monday, June 14, 2021 at Calvert Memorial Hospital with her husband and two daughters by her side. She was born in London on March 25, 1937 to Mary Oddy, mother and William Walter Oddy, father. Born in London, just before World War II, Mary was evacuated at 3.5 years with her two brothers. She was separated from her family throughout the war only to be reunited with her mother and two younger sisters in London. Mary was educated at The Marlborough School in Chelsea, London, England and attended Secondary School at St. Thomas Moore. She came to the United States in 1957, moving to Springfield, Massachusetts and ultimately settled in the Washington, DC area in 1958. Mary started working at the age of 15. Her first full time job was with Harrods of London in Knightsbridge. She spent 43 years with the Associated Press including many years as the administrative assistant for the Washington, DC bureau, serving under 6 bureau chiefs. It was her time with The Associated Press that brought her great joy and allowed her to make lifelong friends that she considered her extended family. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters Pauline Kirby and Kathy Jeremy, brothers Colin and George Oddy, and brother-in-law, Robert Solly. Mary is survived by her loving husband, John Pennybacker, of Owings, MD, two faithful daughters, Karen Acton and her husband Mike, and Jennifer Jakowicz and her husband Rich. Beloved grandchildren Brian Acton and his wife Kristen along with Sadie and Aidan Jakowicz. And great granddaughter, Brianna Acton. A surviving sister, Susan Solly of London, her niece Clare Taplin and partner Sandra Tebay of Wales. The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church 1601 W. Mount Harmony Road, Owings, MD 20736 on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Rosina Pennybacker please visit our Sympathy Store.