Heaven welcomed a one of a kind angel in the early morning hours of September 15th, 2021. While many hearts broke at the news, Catherine "Penny" Regnier, 73, of Minersville died at peace, having her sons, Russ and Devo holding her hands as she entered through the “pearly” gates.

The sun shone a little brighter in Shenandoah on the day Penny was born - June 16, 1948. An innately kind and fun-loving soul, Penny was the daughter of the late Michael and Doris (Randall) Murphy. True story: When ‘Catherine’ came home after being christened, a penny fell off the top of her front door landing right onto her outfit. Her grandmother declared it lifelong good luck and gave her the nickname Penny. The rest, as they say, is history. 

Penny was a graduate of the former Shenandoah Catholic High School and later attended the Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her LPN degree. Her nursing career led her to many different healthcare facilities but nowhere did she help people more and build more relationships than at the former Pottsville Internists where she worked for more than 30 years. Penny was very active in church having taught religious education classes for many years. She was also a member of Saint Michael the Archangel’s Young at Heart Club. If you ever needed a prayer, you need only call upon Penny to storm the heavens as your personal prayer warrior. The message was sure to get through with her deep devotion to her faith and God.

If you didn’t know Penny, chances are you heard her. Her voice carried in an unforgettable tone and she had a flair for unfiltered conversation (she told you like it was). Penny’s smile and laughter lit up a room. If (with the luck of the Irish), you were fortunate enough to have met her, you know that you will never forget her. She made a mark wherever she went but mainly Penny made a mark forever on your heart.

Nothing brought more joy to her life than her “Grand Babies” and their friends– even though none are babies any more. Many people have a grandma but not everyone has a “Monnie.” Monnie was the best babysitter and the consummate reader of bedtime stories as well as a devoted fan and attendee of band concerts, plays, performances and sporting events. Penny’s “Grand Babies” - Pearce, Megan, Maddie, Brock, Jacob, Alexa, Devorah and Evan will forever cherish the time they got to spend with their Monnie.

Penny’s legacy lives on through her beloved sons Russ Hartz husband of Suzy, Exton and Edward “Devo” Hartz, Pittsburgh. She is also survived by her stepsons Kevin Regnier, Sr., Pottsville and Brian Regnier, Hellertown.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Gary D. Regnier who died June 10, 2007; and a brother Michael Grady.

She will be deeply missed by her sisters Mary Ellen Wiley wife of John, Pottsville and Roseanne Denchy wife of Joseph, Hernando, FL; brothers James Grady, Shenandoah; Thomas Grady husband of Joyce, Shenandoah; and David Grady, husband of Diane, Zion Grove; best friend and ‘partner in crime’, Jan Ankenbrant wife of Rich, Pine Grove; a myriad of nieces and nephews; and her faithful furry friends Minnie and Annie.

She is also survived by the Regnier boys (her step son Kevin’s children) Mark, Kevin Jr., Tyler and Daniel.

Stay tuned! In the spirit of Penny, and in honoring her wishes, a fun celebration of life will be held later this year. For now, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 o’clock Monday morning, September 20 at St. Michael the Archangel RC Church, Minersville. Rev. Christopher Zelonis will be officiating. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 9 o’clock until the time of Mass. Private Interment will be held on the grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, pulmonaryfibrosis.org – where you can find a tribute page under Penny Regnier.

The family is forever grateful for the compassion and critical care that Penny received from every staff member who entered her room for over 2 weeks at St. Luke's/Geisinger-Orwigsburg. In addition, the family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Angie and the entire team at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville who have been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit schlitzerallenpugh.com to share a memory of our dear Penny.