Penelope Geary

Penelope “Penny” (Brownell) Geary, 83, of West Hartford and formerly of East Hartford, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the Bel-Air Manor in Newington. Penny was the loving wife of 42 years to the late Joseph E. Geary. Born in Hartford on August 22, 1940, a daughter of the late Harold E. and Marion F. (McCrossen) Brownell, Sr., she had been a resident of East Hartford for over fifty years prior to moving to West Hartford four years ago. Penny was a graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson, class of 1958. She later graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in Hartford, class of 1961, earning her degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked most of her professional career as a Registered Nurse in geriatric care at area nursing homes and retiring from Mercy Knoll in West Hartford.

A devout catholic, Penny was a former communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church in East Hartford. She was an avid reader, a huge bingo player, a card player (especially Solitaire), and liked watching old-time television shows. She truly enjoyed taking over 30 cruises with her husband and also going to Walt Disney World in Florida to see her favorite character, Donald Duck. She also was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and the UConn Women basketball team. Most of all Penny was a devoted wife, mother, and sister who received great joy surrounded by her family.

Penny is survived by her cherished daughter, Susan B. Ault and her husband Jon of Newington; two brothers, Roger Brownell and his wife Bernadine of Bangor, ME, Patrick Brownell of New London; three sisters, Gerry Alvarez and her husband Richard of East Harford, Elizabeth Sargent and her husband Sam of Wallingford, Bernice Brownell of Virginia; a sister-in-law, Bernetta Brownell of Maine; two fur grandchildren, Phineas and Tiana; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Albert Brownell of East Hartford and Harold “Butch” Brownell of Maine.

Funeral service and burial at Silver Lane Cemetery in East Hartford will be held in the spring of 2024. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Penelope’s name may be made to the Special Olympics of CT, 2666 State Street, Suite #1, Hamden, CT 06517-2232. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.