Stella J. Penrin

Stella J. Penrin, age 95 years, of Jackson, NJ, died peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Bella Terra Senior Living, Jackson, NJ, where she had resided the past six years.

Born in Newark, NJ, March 1, 1922, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Mirus Starbinski, she had formerly lived in Manchester Township, Basking Ridge and Elizabeth, NJ. She also maintained a summer home in Lavallette, NJ for many years which is a source of wonderful memories for all those who knew her and her family.

Stella was a woman who was always ahead of her time. She grew up not subscribing to a thought process that relegated women to only be able to do certain things. She was very proud to have been the first female shop steward in the state of New Jersey, working at E.M.D. Trucking Co. (Now I.M.L. Trucking) in Elizabeth, NJ. She also was a bookkeeper for Wharton Pharmacy, Wharton, NJ.

Her most memorable work experience was serving as the private secretary for Charles W. Engelhard, who was known as the “Platinum King” and specialized in mining and minerals, as well as having a passion for racing thoroughbreds. Stella’s work enabled her to meet many famous business people and heads of state over the years.

None of this notoriety ever removed Stella from being the grounded and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend that she will be truly remembered for. In fact, what her family recalls most about her is that she was always there for each of them, to listen and counsel on all matter of life. Simply put, she loved with her entire “Self.” Stella was always putting others first; she was a people person and was a second mother to her Daughter’s friends and a grandmother to her Grandson’s friends, all who referred to her fondly as “Gram.”

She was an avid golfer and former President of Leisure Knoll Women’s Golf Club. Very proud of her Polish heritage, she was a dynamic cook and all who knew her remember her very scrumptious chicken noodle soup, pierogies, babka and many other specialties. She loved to be outdoors – gardening or just sitting in the sunshine. Stella also did everything from painting, wallpapering & decorating her homes to teaching her daughters how to sew and upholster.

A woman of devout faith, she was a longtime member and former Deacon and Elder of Lakehurst Presbyterian Church, Lakehurst, NJ. Stella instilled the values of Jesus Christ in her children and family and always believed in the powerful power of prayer.

A true “Lady,” Stella’s legacy is emblazed on the hearts of so many. When asked to describe her using several words, her daughters and grandsons used the words elegant, resilient, loving, gracious, patient, thankful, blessed, strong and a confidant. A woman who will not soon be forgotten, and one who has made an impact that will influence generations to come for the better.

Stella can not be spoken of without mentioning her late husband and soul-mate, Frank Edward Penrin (fondly known as “Tot” by many). Theirs was a love story for the books, and one that all who knew the couple admired. They were married on July 18, 1942 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Newark, NJ, and were married for sixty-two years until his death on December 31, 2004. There is no doubt that the two are dancing together once again in heaven.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Starr; an infant sister, Janina Starbinski; and two great nephews, Lee and Kristopher Flannery.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Thomas Jaworski of Celina, TX and Denise and Thomas Carro of Neshanic Station, NJ; her grandsons and their spouses, Peter and Laura Jaworski of Little Elm, TX, Matthew Jaworski of Charlotte, NC, Daniel and Sheryl Carro of Glen Allen, VA, and Stephen and Tiffany Carro of Mooresville, NC; her great-grandchildren, Brianna, Carter, Corinne Jaworski, Hunter Jaworski, Henry Carro, Stella and Natalie Carro, and Nicholas, Andrew, and Audrey Gagliardi; her sister-in-law, Joan Prekaza; her nieces, Linda and her husband, Kenneth Liebler and Sandra Flannery; a nephew, Joseph J. Starr; a great niece, Jillian Flannery; two great nephews, Brian and Eric Liebler; and many extended family and friends.

A vibrant celebration of life officiated by Rev. Donna Lepsky will take place on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Burial next to her beloved husband will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.

Stella will lie in repose at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 9:30-10:00 a.m. All those attending her visitation and life celebration services are asked to not wear black. Stella loved color and the bright palate that is life, so by wearing something bright and bold, you are honoring her legacy.

Please visit Stella’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to share public or private message of condolence, as well as share stories and photos of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Orphan Outreach Ministry, c/o Our Lady of Peace Church, P.O. Box 38, Broadheadsville, PA 18322.