Jeanette V. Penree

IN LOVING MEMORY

UTICA – With deep love and sadness, we announce that surrounded by her loving family, Jeanette V. Penree, age 87, passed away on Friday afternoon, April 17th, 2026, in Utica, New York. Her life’s journey began in the Utica area, and she had resided in Saratoga Springs and Herkimer, New York as well.

She was born in Utica, New York, on June 22nd, 1938, to parents Amado and Amelia (Spadafora) Ventura and received her education locally. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, talented artist, and beloved friend.

She was united in marriage on January 17th, 1957, to Joseph J. Penree, Sr. On December 29th, 2019, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, with whom she shared 62 years of a loving marriage built on devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. Their life together was a true partnership and an example of lasting love.

She was a proud mother of six children, who were the center of her world and the source of her greatest joy. She was also a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to many, each of whom she cherished deeply and who brought immense pride and happiness to her life. Her family was one of her greatest accomplishments.

She shared her creativity and passion with others by teaching ceramics, tole painting, and many other crafts, inspiring countless people along the way. As the owner of her own craft store, Stuff-N-Such, she created not just a business, but a welcoming place where friendships were formed and creativity flourished. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her love for family and friends, and her willingness to help anyone in need. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life – especially playing cards, sharing laughter, and spending time with those she loved. Her warm sense of humor and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and kindness that will live on through her family and all whose lives she has touched.

She is survived by her children, Marsha Penree, Kathy & Matt Luppino, Joseph, Jr., and Kelly Penree, Sandra Penree and Karen St. Mary, Lynn and Rick Simpson, and Eric and Megan Penree. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Robert & Colin Keating, Sarah Foster, Tricia & John Jantzen, Kristen & Frank Taylor, Daniel Luppino, Anthony & Christine Penree, Nicholas & Caitlyn Penree, Mark & Stephanie Dewey, Patrick Dewey & Nicole Fitzgerald, David Penree, Christopher Penree & Savannah Heller, Richard, Jr., Erica, Reid, & Paige Simpson, Ryleigh, Rowan, and Ryker Penree, and her great-grandchildren, Leo, John, Jr., Juliana, Jordan, Oliver, Karolyn, Athena, Hailey, Madison, Olivia, and soon to arrive Natalie Jeanette.

She also leaves behind her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Peter Lallier, sister-in-law, Margaret Penree, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Mary Ventura, as well as her brother-in-law, Donald Penree. She also leaves her close friends Peter, Christine, Cogan, Cindy, and Kerry, and countless others who enriched her life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers Barb, Cindy, and Barb, as well as The Masonic Care Rehabilitation for their compassion, kindness, and dedicated care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jeanette’s Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee Street, Utica, New York. Interment will take place in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro beside her husband Joe immediately following Mass.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday evening, April 24th, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York. Family and friends are invited to join at this time and attend the funeral services on Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of the family that remembrances in Jeanette's name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org; or to Hospice & Palliative Care, www.hospicecareinc.org. Envelopes for these purposes will be available at the funeral home.

Messages of sympathy may be shared on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.