Barbara Ann Penko

Barbara Ann (Mahler) Penko, 89, of Flushing, NY, passed away peacefully in her home Thursday afternoon in the presence of one of her caretakers and her grandson, Shawn. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Charles Vincent Penko, and her son Charles V. Penko Jr., and is survived by her daughter, Jean Marie Tierney(Todd Tierney), her son, Raymond Anthony ,her daughter, Barbara Ann Moffatt (William Moffatt), her grandchildren, Charlie, Breanna and Shawn. She was predeceased by her parents, Anton Mahler and Mary Ellen Farrell, her brothers, William, Joseph and Thomas, and her sisters, Jean Marie and Mary Ellen. She is survived by her sister- in - law, Diana Konopka and her 15 nieces and nephews.

Barbara was born in the South Bronx to parents of Irish and German descent and often talked about her upbringing in the Grand Concourse and summers spent roasting potatoes over an open fire and floating down the street in a bathtub in the Rockaways. She had a craving for knowledge, learning to play the guitar, taking dance classes, enrolling in continuing education classes and taking art history courses. She enjoyed learning about other cultures through world travel and was a theater enthusiast and avid reader. She loved to design and sew her own clothing, enjoyed knitting blankets for family members and those in need and loved to craft.

Barbara believed in volunteerism. Some of her contributions included tutoring elementary school children in New York’s Chinatown and raising money for “Bridge to Life,” an organization that supported unwed pregnant women. She was an active member of her parish, at one time serving on the parish council and she held leadership positions in various parish organizations. And, she and Charles were teachers in the parish religious education program. She spearheaded annual flea markets to raise funds for the local Boy Scout troop. In later years she played an active role in the functioning of what is known as the St. Kevin’s senior organization, including writing grant proposals to city and state governments. She was also an officer in the local AARP chapter.

Barbara was a graduate of St. Jean the Baptist High School in the Bronx and Katherine Gibbs School. In later years she graduated from Queens College with a B.A. in Sociology and was employed by the New York City Department for the Aging, where she worked as a job developer, connecting unemployed seniors with employers.

During her retirement, Barbara enjoyed entertaining both family and friends, leaving the cooking to Charles. Her greatest pride and joy was being a grandmother.

The family of Barbara will be receiving visitors at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, on July 1, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Kevin's RC Church, 45-21 194th St, Flushing, NY 11358, on July 2, 2025, at 10:45 am.The interment will follow at Mt. St. Mary's Cemetery, 172-00 Booth Memorial Avenue, Flushing, New York 11365.