Obituary of Penelope A. Martin

Penelope Ann Martin (Phippen) November 6, 1961- January 4, 2019.

Penelope Ann Martin was born on November 6. 1961 and passed away on the beautiful winter morning of January 4, 2019 in her home. Beside her in her final days were her daughter, Nikki, her son, Stephen, her parents and her boyfriend, John.  The birth and death of this great woman, however, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that she lived to the fullest between those two dates.

In Penny’s words, “I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back. This is hard. But, I was a fortunate woman, who led a fortunate existence, and for this I am tremendously grateful. I was diagnosed with cancer in mid-April, 2017. The cancer was terminal but I decided to be joyful about having had a full life, rather than being sad about having to die. They say “it's the life in your years, not the years in your life”. Amazingly, this outlook worked for me. I had to accept what I could not change.

I leave behind my best friend and longtime boyfriend John McSherry. Thank you for everything. My Father, the late Richard S. Phippen Sr.  Also my devoted, kind hearted parents. Reverend Robert & Margaret Merritt of Carver, MA. I would not be who I am today without their wisdom and guidance. My siblings are my best friends: Richard S. Phippen Jr. and wife Lara Phippen of Carver, MA, Dawn Predue and husband Mark of Madison, NC, R. Michael Merritt and wife Penny of Upperville, VA, Sandra Merritt of Hyannis, MA, Donna Nolan and husband Kevin of Plymouth, MA, Sonya Lomax and husband Todd of Centerville, MA, Judith Sirrico and husband Marc of Plymouth, MA, David Merritt and wife Kimberly of Peterborough, NH. Keep on being the amazing individuals you all are. Also, the late Dorine Merritt. There are too many nieces and nephews to list, however, I would like you to all know how proud and thankful I am to have known each one of you. I have unique, adventurous children, Nicole (Martin) & Wellington Mello, Stephen Martin and Caroline McSherry. Keep living life to the fullest and let nothing slow you down. My two little loves Isabella & Breanna Mello, please know Nana loves you always and there is a bright future ahead of you both. My longtime friend Maria Latulippe, we have enough memories for two lifetimes. Dear Sophie, my loyal dog and companion, I know you will be in good hands.”

A celebration of life for Penny will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am at The United Parish Church in Carver Massachusetts. 115 Main Street, Penny's home town.