Lavina A. “Penny” Wendland, 97 of Mansfield passed away January 17, 2024 at Liberty Nursing Center.
She was born July 21, 1926 to Frank and Gertrude (Hipp) Gremling. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Luella, Bernice, Alberta, Kenneth, Norma, Robert, Doloras, Paul, Clara and Charles. She was previously married to Richard Wendland who also preceded her in death.
A devout Catholic, Penny enjoyed her role as choir librarian for almost 50 years. Penny often said her favorite things to do were reading and walking. Until just a few years ago, she spent her days taking long walks, asking others if they could keep up! Penny worked at Stone Containers for many years as the switch board operator. She was proud of her time in the Mansfield Symphony Choir, and the plays she was in. She enjoyed telling you about her travels and keeping a journal. She enjoyed telling others how she saw the Pope! Always active, she enjoyed attending sporting events and concerts for her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Barb (Paul) Williams; grandchildren Michelle (Todd) Smith, Sherri (Stacie) Williams, Brian Williams; great-grandchildren Josh (Jessie) Hergatt, Jacob (Natalie) Hergatt, Kennedie (Ben) Rossman, Kevin Winkler Jr., Cohen, Caysen, Brianna and Landen Williams; great-great-grandchildren Jackson and Jensley Hergatt and Gatlin Rossman; sister Gerry Turner, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Liberty Nursing Center and Southern Care Hospice for taking excellent care of our mother / grandmother.
The family will receive friends at Herlihy Funeral Home, 173 Park Avenue, on Monday from 4-6pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 60 S. Mulberry Street. Burial will follow at Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Choir.
Funeral Home: Herlihy Funeral Home
Website: www.herlihyfh.com