Marilyn Ann Penne

Marilyn Ann Penne

September 2, 1947 – September 24, 2026

Marilyn Ann Penne, 79, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on September 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving sons. Born on September 2, 1947, to Bernard and Estelle (Budzik) Tyson, Marilyn grew up in a close-knit South Omaha neighborhood in the same house built and lived in by her grandparents, surrounded by extended family, church, and school. There, she learned the values that would define her life: love of God, family, and community; hard work; and perseverance. Marilyn treasured her younger brother, Donald, and shared her childhood with her sister-like cousins Dorothy, Rita, and Linda, who lived just across the street. The kindness and love of this close family remained a cherished presence throughout her life.

Marilyn valued the Catholic education she received during her formative years at St. Francis of Assisi Grade School and Archbishop Ryan High School, and she carried that commitment into the family she later raised. After graduation from Archbishop Ryan High School, Marilyn met and married the love of her life, Larry Penne. Together, they built a home centered on faith, family, and love and raised four sons who were a constant source of pride and joy. Marilyn and Larry shared nearly 58 years of marriage, and their enduring love and commitment were an example to all who knew them. Larry’s passing in July left Marilyn deeply saddened, but her faith gave her comfort in the promise that their love would continue with the Lord.

Marilyn’s abundant life was defined by many things, but she found her greatest joy and fulfillment in raising her four close and energetic sons. Over the years, she embraced many roles—nurse, tutor, scheduler, referee, cook, prayer leader, chauffeur, cheerleader, hand-holder, caregiver, and confidant. She took on each role with great love and pride, knowing how important she was in her boys’ lives. When one of the boys was in trouble, Marilyn might run through every name in the house—Mike, Tim, Jeff, Shawn—before reaching the right one. Each hoped not to hear his middle name, which meant the matter was serious, and they all knew the unmistakable warning: “Wait until your father gets home.” Those moments were fleeting, however, and Marilyn took immense pride in her sons and delighted in their accomplishments. She was especially grateful for the four wonderful daughters each son brought into her life, fulfilling her wish for another girl in the house. In time, she was blessed with 11 treasured grandchildren. Her years as a devoted mother prepared her to be a loving and understanding grandmother who shared in the joy of their lives as they grew.

Marilyn’s life beyond her family was equally rich and fulfilling. She enjoyed a successful career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including a brief pause to focus on raising her family. What she valued most from her career were the lifelong friendships she formed and the stories she loved to share. She delighted in the flowers and plants she nurtured, the family pets that inevitably became hers to care for, and the keepsakes and mementos she lovingly collected and displayed. Underlying all these joys was her deep faith in the Lord and her gratitude for the wonderful life she had been given.

The values Marilyn learned in her close-knit South Omaha family—love of God, devotion to family and community, hard work, and perseverance—guided her throughout her life and shaped the home and family she cherished. Her family will deeply miss her steadfast love and support, her words of encouragement, and her warm hugs. They find comfort in the faith she shared with them and in the promise that they will one day be reunited with her in the Lord.

Marilyn is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Stephanie, Timothy and Patricia, Jeffrey and Sharon, and Shawn and Robin; her brother, Donald (Pam) Tyson of Omaha; her grandchildren, Thomas, Kyle, Jack, Lillian, William, Henry, Natalie, Jonah, Benjamin, Luke, and Max; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Joseph Penne, and her parents, Bernard and Estelle (Budzik) Tyson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., with a rosary at 6:30 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5419 N. 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68164.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 5419 N. 114th Street, Omaha, NE 68164. A luncheon will follow, with family interment afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (https://www.stelizabethann.org/).