Pennie Allen Foil

Pennie Allen Foil, 80, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026.  Pennie was born to the late Walter and Catherine Allen on January 11, 1946, in Washington, Pennsylvania. 

She met the love of her life, Ron, when they were both in grade school. At just 8 years old, Ron told his mother that he was going to marry Pennie someday.  The two remained best friends throughout their childhood and teenage years, eventually becoming a couple during their senior year of high school.  They married at age 18 and recently celebrated 62 wonderful years together. 

Pennie graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1963. She retired from Columbia Gas Transmission but wasn't ready to slow down.  She went on to work for State Representatives Leo Trich and Vic Lescovitz before joining her daughters to work at Washington & Jefferson College. 

If you were Pennie's friend, you were a friend for life.  She treasured her friendships and maintained close relationships with classmates and former coworkers, many dating back to elementary school.  Monthly lunches and dinners kept those friendships strong over the years.  Pennie was also the queen of home parties, hosting Watkins, Home Interiors, Jafra, PartyLite, and anything her daughters happened to be selling at the time. 

Pennie loved reading and passed that passion along to her daughters. After retirement, she volunteered at Citi Books at Citizens Library, combining her love of books with her desire to give back to the community. 

A devoted Catholic, Pennie faithfully attended Immaculate Conception Church in Washington throughout her life.  She also dedicated many Sunday evenings to working bingo to support the Catholic school she and Ron had attended and where their daughters would later receive their education. 

For many years, Pennie and Ron owned the Landmark Bar and Restaurant.  It was truly a family business, and Pennie could always be found helping in the kitchen or wherever she was needed on weekends. Through the restaurant, they made many lasting friendships. 

Pennie and Ron were also known for their annual Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations, bringing family and friends together year after year.  After learning Ron's favorite recipes from his mother, Pennie became famous for her meatballs, broccoli and sauce, potato salad, and countless other family favorites.  No family gathering was complete without watching Pennie and her sister, Patti take to the floor for their famous jitterbug. 

Above all, Pennie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Ron; her daughters, Christine Shaffer (John), parents of Daniel, Elizabeth, and Abigail, and Carrie Kane (Tim), parents of Spencer.  Pennie and Ron were devoted grandparents who never missed a sporting event, concert, recital, or award ceremony.  Pennie became a grandmother for the first time just a few hours before her 50th birthday.  She often said that having her first grandchild on that special day made turning 50 much easier! 

Family vacations were among Pennie's greatest joys.  She and Ron created treasured memories with their children and grandchildren during trips to Ocean City, Maryland; Deep Creek Lake, Maryland; New Orleans; and an especially memorable vacation to Disney World.  Every Mother's Day weekend, Pennie took a shopping trip with her daughters to Easton in Columbus, Ohio.  They also enjoyed visits to QVC in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 

Pennie and Ron loved traveling together, too, taking road trips to Florida, North Carolina and many trips to New Orleans to visit Ron's brother.  One of her favorite adventures was a cross-country drive with her sister and brother-in-law, which provided plenty of funny stories and memories to share over the years. 

Pennie never met a stranger.  If she spotted a baby, she was sure to make her way over to introduce herself and strike up a conversation with the family.  Her warmth and friendliness made people feel welcome wherever she went. 

She was also an exceptionally hard worker.  Her daughters often marveled at how she managed a full-time job, maintained an immaculate home, and still served a hot meal every evening.  It was a dedication they didn't fully appreciate until they had families of their own.  Pennie went above and beyond to provide special things for her daughters.  She even transcribed medical records on the side to earn enough to purchase the white French Provincial bedroom set that seemed to be every girl's dream in the 1980s.  Her love was often expressed through the things she did for others, big and small. 

Pennie was a member of the Elks Lodge in Washington and enjoyed volunteering at its monthly breakfasts. 

In addition to her husband, Ron, and her daughters and grandchildren, Pennie is survived by her sister, Linda (Harry) Ganter; her brother, Jon (Angelika “Mira”) Allen; her brother-in-law, Harold Mituzas; and many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Aunt Pennie.  Family meant everything to Pennie.  She shared an especially close bond with her siblings, and the losses she experienced in recent years weighed heavily on her heart.  She was preceded in death by her sisters, Catherine Markley and Patricia Mituzas; her brother, Tim Allen; and her brothers-in-law, Bill Markley and Tim Foil. 

Pennie's kindness, warmth, unwavering faith, and devotion to her family and friends will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.  She leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories, lasting friendships, family traditions, and countless examples of love and generosity.  Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. 

Friends will be received on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 12 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director.  A Departing Prayers of Transfer Service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 P.M. in the Immaculate Conception Church, St. James Parish, 119 W. Chestnut St., Washington with the Rev. Mike Zavage as celebrant.  Interment will be private.  Memorial donations may be made to the Citizens Library or the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com