Mary Katherine Pennington
Mary Katherine Pennington, aged sixty-four, passed away from complications from ovarian cancer on December 25, 2024, at her home in Haverford, Pennsylvania. Born in Chicago, Illinois on December 2, 1960, Mary was a shining light, a lifelong learner, an adored wife, a cherished sibling and daughter, and an accumulator of wonderful friends.
Mary was the third of five children of Dr. John and Rose Przypyszny. She is survived by her husband, Mark, her parents John and Rose, her siblings, Karen Przypyszny (Peter Demuth), Robert Presney (Debbie), John Przypyszny (Laura), Michele Przypyszny, two nieces (Becky Presney and Annie Przypyszny), two nephews (Jack Przypyszny and Noah Demuth) and too many friends to count.
Growing up in the Edgebrook section of Chicago, Mary attended St. Mary of the Woods grammar school and Regina Dominican High School, places she loved and where she developed cherished friendships. From age four she doggedly practiced classical piano, participating in, and winning many piano competitions through her high school years.
She attended The College of William and Mary, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and made lifelong friends— including her future husband, Mark, whom she met on a blind date. Although she was not a music major, she practiced tirelessly to perfect her senior year classical piano recital, which featured works by Chopin, Barber, Debussy, and Beethoven.
Mary started her working career in the career development office of Catholic University in Washington, DC. After marrying Mark, she moved to the Philadelphia area, first working in the career center of St. Joseph’s University and later at Widener University. She left the higher education world to work in a variety of HR positions at Comcast where she spent the rest of her working career.
In 2011, after just finishing a sprint triathlon, she was diagnosed with lymphoma which led to her involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). She served as an LLS board member, was the LLS Woman of the year in 2012, was a First Connection mentor to many newly diagnosed lymphoma patients, and captained team YOLO for the annual Big Climb fund raiser.
In addition to her career and charitable work, Mary loved to learn. She studied photography, Spanish, Italian, and recently completed her Master Gardener certification. She and Mark were avid cyclists and travelers who loved to hike and ride in quiet, beautiful places. The two of them were inseparable.
She touched many people and will be remembered for her vibrant smile, easy laugh, and indomitable spirit. She will be sorely missed by all.
Memorial services will be held in both the Chicago and Philadelphia areas. The Chicago area service will be held at Saint Mary of the Woods Church, 6955 North Hiawatha Avenue, Chicago,Il, on January 23, 2025, at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Mary requested that you donate to your favorite charity, take a walk, go for a bike ride, or do any other activity that gives you joy.
Please extend my deep regrets to Karen, of whom I think with fondness and admiration.
It’s hard and sad to imagine this world without Mary. I worked with her several times st Comcast and she was always a bright spot in my day. I loved hearing about her travels and adventures. She was compassionate, selfless, dedicated and a real friend. My heart goes out to her family. May your memories comfort you and keep her alive in your heart forever.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Mark, on the passing of Mary. She left a legacy of caring for others. It was always a pleasure seeing Mary and Mark walking through our neighborhood. You left everyone you met uplifted with your words and kindness. Caryn and John Holstein
I was so lucky to have worked with Mary at Comcast. She was kind, always full of energy and consistently positive. When she found out I had family and friends who were impacted by Leukemia and Lymphoma, she welcomed us into her community of champions. I had the opportunity to climb with her as part of Team YOLO and even got to attend the MWOY event as her guest. I will miss her bright smile and her energetic and positive attitude. My sincere condolences to all who loved her. She was pure sunshine.
The world is less vibrant without Mary in it. I was very fortunate to work with Mary at Comcast and to count her not just as a valued colleague but a wonderful friend. Mary's smile, wit and kindness were her hallmarks, and even when she was fighting her own battle, she focused her attention on others. I was blessed to know Mary and will keep her memory in my heart. Sending prayers for strength and peace to Mark, their family and friends.
I’m so very saddened by our loss of Mary, but we gained much more from just knowing her. . I first met Mary as a prospective LLS board member. She met me for lunch in Center City to “vet me” for a board position, but to me, it was just an enjoyable conversation that I will always cherish . Mary had such a positive attitude and was so very welcoming and optimistic. She made you feel as if you’d known each other your entire lives, a rare and much needed quality these days. She always greeted you with a warm smile that even radiated through Zoom calls! Rest in peace, Mary.
I am incredibly honoured to have worked closely with Mary during our time together at Comcast. She was an amazing individual, always showing up with a smile and her generosity was unmatched to anyone else. My deepest condolences to Mark, extended family and closest friends. She is a spirit that will be missed but fondly remembered.
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Please know that LLS will always be your family and is here for you. I will forever cherish the time I spent with Mary in late October, never imagining it would be our last. She made an incredible impact on my heart and mind, and she was more than just a dedicated volunteer—she became a dear friend. My deepest condolences go out to you Mark, her family, and all her loved ones.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have met Mary during our time working at Comcast. Her competence and kindness shone through in every interaction. She was a tremendous support to me during my family's battle with cancer. I will always cherish her infectious laugh and warm smile, knowing she lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. Sending a big hug to you, Mark, her close friends, and family.
Mary was introduced to me by her older sister Karen, who has been a friend of mine since freshman hall days. Later Mary and I shared a small off-campus apt when she first transferred into W&M and could not find on campus housing. Mary was always so vivacious, spunky and positive in her outlook! It is sad (and almost surreal) to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to Mark as well as the extended family.
Mary was one of the kindest, most gracious human beings I ever met. I worked along side of her at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and she was a wonderful volunteer and friend.
I first met Mary, with Mark, at William and Mary in 1981/2 and although we live 3000+ miles away across the Pond, we've visited and stayed in touch ever since. Mark & Mary have visited us twice on the Isle of Mull where we live and they have always been an important part of our young daughter's Beth & Liv's lives from their first visit here in 2003/4 when the girls were wee toddlers to seeing them just last year (2023) in NYC. Mary was a beautiful, bright light in all our lives which will never fade. We send our love and thoughts to Mark and all her family and friends. Dave, Caroline, Bethan & Olivia (Sexton)
I was a Gus companion. Very fond memories of that time.
So sad to have this lively person taken from the world
Mary was an amazing mentor early in my career and helped get me to where I am today. While years separated us her influence never faded and my heart hurts knowing of her passing.
I will miss my friend, Mary. She was a beautiful human being with a and resilient and vibrant spirit. Rest in sweet heavenly peace, Mary.
I first met Mary, with Mark, at William and Mary in 1981/2 and although we live 3000+ miles away across the Pond, we’ve visited and stayed in touch ever since. Mark & Mary have visited us twice on the Isle of Mull where we live and they have always been an important part of our young daughter’s Beth & Liv’s lives from their first visit here in 2003/4 when the girls were wee toddlers to seeing them just last year (2023) in NYC. Mary was a beautiful, bright light in all our lives which will never fade. We send our love and thoughts to Mark and all her family and friends. Dave, Caroline, Bethan & Olivia (Sexton)
Mary was one of the kindest, most gracious human beings I ever met. I worked along side of her at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and she was a wonderful volunteer and friend.
Mary was introduced to me by her older sister Karen, who has been a friend of mine since freshman hall days. Later Mary and I shared a small off-campus apt when she first transferred into W&M and could not find on campus housing. Mary was always so vivacious, spunky and positive in her outlook! It is sad (and almost surreal) to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to Mark as well as the extended family.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have met Mary during our time working at Comcast. Her competence and kindness shone through in every interaction. She was a tremendous support to me during my family’s battle with cancer. I will always cherish her infectious laugh and warm smile, knowing she lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. Sending a big hug to you, Mark, her close friends, and family.
I am heartbroken to hear this news. Please know that LLS will always be your family and is here for you. I will forever cherish the time I spent with Mary in late October, never imagining it would be our last. She made an incredible impact on my heart and mind, and she was more than just a dedicated volunteer—she became a dear friend. My deepest condolences go out to you Mark, her family, and all her loved ones.
I am incredibly honoured to have worked closely with Mary during our time together at Comcast. She was an amazing individual, always showing up with a smile and her generosity was unmatched to anyone else. My deepest condolences to Mark, extended family and closest friends. She is a spirit that will be missed but fondly remembered.
I’m so very saddened by our loss of Mary, but we gained much more from just knowing her. . I first met Mary as a prospective LLS board member. She met me for lunch in Center City to “vet me” for a board position, but to me, it was just an enjoyable conversation that I will always cherish . Mary had such a positive attitude and was so very welcoming and optimistic. She made you feel as if you’d known each other your entire lives, a rare and much needed quality these days. She always greeted you with a warm smile that even radiated through Zoom calls! Rest in peace, Mary.
The world is less vibrant without Mary in it. I was very fortunate to work with Mary at Comcast and to count her not just as a valued colleague but a wonderful friend. Mary’s smile, wit and kindness were her hallmarks, and even when she was fighting her own battle, she focused her attention on others. I was blessed to know Mary and will keep her memory in my heart. Sending prayers for strength and peace to Mark, their family and friends.
I was so lucky to have worked with Mary at Comcast. She was kind, always full of energy and consistently positive. When she found out I had family and friends who were impacted by Leukemia and Lymphoma, she welcomed us into her community of champions. I had the opportunity to climb with her as part of Team YOLO and even got to attend the MWOY event as her guest. I will miss her bright smile and her energetic and positive attitude. My sincere condolences to all who loved her. She was pure sunshine.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Mark, on the passing of Mary. She left a legacy of caring for others. It was always a pleasure seeing Mary and Mark walking through our neighborhood. You left everyone you met uplifted with your words and kindness.
Caryn and John Holstein
It’s hard and sad to imagine this world without Mary. I worked with her several times st Comcast and she was always a bright spot in my day. I loved hearing about her travels and adventures. She was compassionate, selfless, dedicated and a real friend. My heart goes out to her family. May your memories comfort you and keep her alive in your heart forever.
Please extend my deep regrets to Karen, of whom I think with fondness and admiration.