Mary Ellen Pennewill

Mary Ellen Confer Gonzalez Pennewill, 76, of Hanover, wife of George Z. Pennewill, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at Wellspan York Hospital with her family by her side.

Born on Saturday, February 8, 1947 in Lockhaven, PA, she was a daughter of the late Glenn R. Confer and Vera “Sister” Geyer Confer. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Owen Confer; grandson, Braxton Gonzalez; and a great grandson, Uriah Gonzalez.

Mary graduated from Bald Eagle Nittany High School in 1966. In 1979, she moved to Hanover and worked at McCrory’s Department Store, PillowTex, Hanover Brands, and for her husband’s business Lutheran Brotherhood/Thrivent Financial. Mary Ellen was a member of the Ladies Auxillary at AMVETS Post #22 and the Auxiliary at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1406. She attended St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where she was an active volunteer with the Provide-A-Lunch (PAL) team. She also helped to organize the SAW (Supper, Activities, and Worship) dinner at the church and was active in helping with communion on Saturday nights. She volunteered at Hanover Area Council of Churches for many years and was a member of Penn Township Lioness Club, where she was president for two years. She loved to travel, not only in the United States including Hawaii, but also to Germany, Switzerland, Rome, France, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 33 years, are four children, Roberto Gonzalez, Shawn Gonzalez, Ricardo Gonzalez, and Shalena Gonzalez Newman; three step children, Karen Myers, Brenda Huskey, and John Pennewill; 14 grandchildren, Maria Devilbiss, Robbie Gonzalez, Sierra Gonzalez, Brookly Starkweather, Emma Gonzalez, Shayla Gonzalez, Brayton Ault, Desteny Snyder, Ayden Gonzalez, Aleah Gonzalez, Nalaya Newman, Katie Barrick, Corey Davis, and Nick Davis; 13 great grandchildren, D’Angelo, Azlynn, Ariah, Elyana, Josiah, Easton, Brantley, Levi, Sarah, Luke, Liam, Keira, and Harper; and a brother, Richard Confer and his wife, Dorthy.

Mary was a beautiful soul to be around, and did so much for the community. She was always willing to give a helping hand, especially when it came to her grandchildren. If there was a party she never missed it. She will be missed dearly.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., 311 Broadway in Hanover with the Rev. Taylor Dieringer officiating. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PAL luncheon at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 W Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA 17331 or to the Hanover Clothing Bank, 136 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331.