Obituary of Edna Penksa

Edna Penksa, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, August 17, 2024. She was a lifelong resident of the Browntown section of Old Bridge, NJ.   Edna grew up on her parents’ 98 acre farm with seven siblings.  The farm consisted of apple, peach, plum, and pear orchards.  Her farm experience taught her many useful skills of canning, freezing, and preserving food for her family.  Everything was homemade and delicious, including pies, cookies, cakes, jelly, and tomato sauce. Christmas Eve dinner was always memorable because of the delicious meal she prepared for all to enjoy.  Edna was a skillful seamstress making clothes and Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren.  She was also known for helping and caring for others whenever needed. Edna also loved playing BINGO with her friends.

Edna met the love of her life, William Penksa, when they both attended Matawan High School.  Marrying in 1951, they shared 66 loving years together as husband and wife.  William also grew up on a farm, and he and Edna shared many common interests and values.  They loved to travel and experience different cultures and explore.  An important value they strived to instill in their children was maintaining strong family bonds and personal connections. Visiting near and far relatives was a priority.

Edna was predeceased by her husband William in 2017, and is survived by her three children:  Deborah Penksa of Old Bridge, NJ; Valerie Penksa of Ocean, NJ; and Jeffrey Penksa with his wife Audrey of Old Bridge, NJ.  Also, three grandchildren:  Justin Vitale (Marlana), Corinne Penksa, Tina Bayer (Daniel); and two great grandchildren, Meadow Vitale and Matthew Bayer.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan, NJ  07726 with a Funeral Service at 10:30 am.  Interment will follow at Old Tennet Cemetery in Manalapan, NJ.  To leave a message of condolence or find directions, please visit our website at www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.