Marilyn Constance (Nawrocki) Penn

Marilyn Constance Penn, 98, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, in Glendora, California. Born September 26, 1926, in Brockton, Massachusetts, Marilyn was the tenth of thirteen children born to Stephanie and Karol Nawrocki—blessed with eight brothers and four sisters—growing up in a bustling, loving home. Marilyn’s life was marked by brilliance. With a genius IQ and an elegance that turned heads, she was both beautiful and glamorous. After a whirlwind romance, she married Michael J. Penn in 1961, and together they enjoyed 64 devoted years before his passing. Marilyn’s academic pursuits were as impressive as her vivacious spirit; she earned two master’s degrees and became the esteemed head of the English Department at Claremont High School, where she inspired countless students with her passion for literature.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted daughters, Stephanie M. Sawyer and Misha L. Penn, her beloved grandchildren Sabrina and Shane, and her thirty-one adoring nieces and nephews. Marilyn lived life to the fullest—dancing, skiing, golfing, traveling, and enjoying music and tennis.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28th at Waitt Funeral Home in Brockton, MA. Marilyn was simply unforgettable and will forever be dancing in our hearts.

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