Maureen Catherine Pennell, 85, passed away peacefully at Beehive Homes of Butte the morning of Wednesday, August 27th.
The beloved daughter of Thomas and Montana Pennell, Maureen was a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her two sons. She began her career in the mailroom at Hennessy’s Department Store and, through determination and talent, became the company’s first female superintendent. After Hennessy’s closure in 1980, she continued her career at the Montana Standard and later ran the St. James Hospital gift shop, where she retired in 2016.
A charter member of the National Organization for Women in Montana, Maureen was a lifelong advocate for equality and women’s rights. Her progressive spirit and compassion touched everyone she met.
She loved traveling across the country to visit family and friends and cherished summers at her cabin in Wise River. Ever determined, Maureen returned to school in her forties, graduating with Honors and earning a degree in Society and Technology from Montana Tech.
Maureen was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Patrick and sister-in-law Judy; dear friend JoAnn Olds; aunt and uncle Esther and Bill Moore; and cousin Billy (Marion) Moore. She is survived by her sons Steve and Nick (Kay) Previsich; granddaughter Brytni Previsich; “forever-in-law” Jean (Dennis) Shaw; nieces Pam and Dawn Pennell and Karen Olds; nephews Thomas (Mindy) Pennell and Curt Olds; cousin Connie Daily; and many cherished friends.
Maureen will be remembered for her grit, determination, fearless spirit, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Beehive Homes and Honeybee Hospice for their exceptional care. A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butte Food Bank or the Sheltered Women’s Workshop.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Maureen and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Maureen.
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Terri Sologub says
Rest in peace dear friend. Remembering all of our lunches, laughs and visits. Sorry for your loss Nick, Steve and Brittaney. She loved you all so much.
Terri Sologub
Denise Horne says
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Maureen. She and my Mom worked together and really enjoyed each other’s company.
Gino Dunfee says
My condolences to the family. The Dunfees and Pennells grew up together on North Montana and Idaho streets. May your memories keep her forever in your heart.
Danielle Hone says
I am so sorry for the passing of Grandma M. All of my memories since I was 12 or so have been filled with shopping trips to Ross, ice cream, and her vivacious personality! I always loved going up to Butte to visit and now it just won’t be the same with her gone.
Thank you for sharing her with me Brytni. She sure loved you. I’m so sorry for your loss and we will continue to go on many shopping trips in her honor!!! I love you.
Fritz Daily says
Steve, Nick, Tommy, Pam, Dawn, Connie, Lynn, Michelle and Fritz, sorry for the loss of your aunt and cousin. May she rest in Peace and God Bless! Fritz
Lynn Doherty says
Condolences for the family of Maureen. We went back a long way to when I was a little girl and our families (the Dunfees) hung out together, along with Joanne — they lived just down the street from us. I remember seeing Maureen over the years before I moved from Butte in 2005 and enjoyed visiting with her — she was always so happy and all smiles! God Bless, Lynn Dunfee Doherty
Jean Shaw says
I miss you already, Maureen. We had so much fun over the years when you came to Utah to spend time with us. I will always have very happy and loving memories of you and our times together. Thank you for loving Brytni as much as you did. I couldn’t have asked for a better grandmother for her. Although I will miss you, I am so happy that you are no longer suffering. I was proud and blessed that you called me your forever in law. Rest in eternal peace. Your memory is a blessing to Brytni and me.