Mary Jane Pennington

Mary Jane was born on March 28, 1935 in Binghamton, NY to Charles and Catherine Lane. She was the first woman to earn a graduate degree in mathematics from Fordham University. But having met and married the love of her life, Thomas Kenny Pennington, she already had one child and went into homemaking. Giving birth to five children, she lost two young sons, but adopted two more children, a girl and a boy. After twenty years of full-time homemaking, during which the family moved to Birmingham, she went back to school, earning her law degree at Birmingham School of Law, after which she worked at the law firm of Cabaniss, Johnston in Birmingham for several years.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Mary Jane was always active in her parish, singing in the choir, and leading Catholic education and discussion groups. She was also known for her needlework skills in embroidery, needlepoint, and knitting.

Moving to Mobile in the 1980’s, Mary Jane enjoyed volunteer law work, traveling with her husband, and visiting with relatives near and far. She continued to be active in her parish and was known for her depth of intellect, keen insights, kind nature, and warm smile.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Kenny Pennington.

She is survived by her five children, Tom Pennington Jr, Dr. Mary Jane Pennington, Dale Pennington, Meli Pennington, and Patrick Pennington, as well as three grandchildren, Jennifer Keene, Kelly Keene, and Maire Keene.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Our Savior Parish on 1801 Cody Road in Mobile, AL at 2 pm. Viewing starts at 1 pm at the church. Flowers may be sent to the church, though the family encourages donations to be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the American Brain Foundation instead.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Pennington family.