Paulette Siegel

Paulette (Penny) Siegel (widow of Mark Siegel) passed away early Sunday morning, October 5th, on the heels of Yom Kippur, at the age of 83, on the 3rd anniversary of her husband's death. In addition to sharing their wedding anniversary, they now share Angel Dates. This is no surprise. They were always joined at the hip.

Paulette, born January 1942, immediately became known as Penny. Her parents met working at a “Five & Dime,” back when a penny meant something. Knowing they had a child on the way, they saved their extra pennies in a jar. After Paulette was born, her parents paid the hospital bill with their saved pennies. Paulette has been called Penny ever since.

Penny’s mother, Adele, decades ahead of her time, worked full time outside the home. As a result, Penny was often tasked with preparing the family dinner. This led to her feeling quite capable in the kitchen. Penny also spoke fondly of learning to drive at the age of 16, stating it gave her a real sense of independence.

Upon graduating White Plains High School, with her new sweetheart, Mark, Penny enrolled in college to become a nurse. However, she contracted Mono and was forced to drop out early. Afterwards, Penny took on work as a veterinary assistant.

The couple married in June of 1964, after Mark completed college. Over the next four years, Penny gave birth to three daughters, and lovingly took on the role of homemaker and stay-at-home mom. Penny was known to whip up delicious meals without following a recipe. Her chicken soup and meatloaf were legendary, and several people outside the family referred to her affectionately as “The Brisket Lady.”

After several years at home, Penny re-entered the workforce, starting out as a “Lunch Lady” in her twin daughters’ junior high school cafeteria. After that, she worked at a hospice agency, rising to management, carefully matching aides with families in need. Later she managed a temp agency, called Office Temporaries, which enabled her to connect her daughters, and all their friends, with temporary work opportunities.

At the same time, Penny’s parents were in decline. Penny and her sister, Suzanne, rearranged their lives to show up for their aging parents in Florida, to be there for them as they crossed over. After that, Penny eagerly embraced the next phase of her life, grandparenting. She prided herself on being there for her three daughters, and helping them transition to becoming mothers of their own.

Penny was devastated three years ago, when her husband predeceased her, but her resilience knew no bounds. Selling her home of 54 years, Penny purchased an apartment in an independent living community in Commack, called Fountaingate Gardens. Penny loved the activities there, and was soon a vibrant part of their social life, enjoying games like Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge, Bingo, and Fum Fum. She also enjoyed other activities like current events, arts and crafts, movie nights, and keeping her own garden.

Penny was shocked by her recent decline in health, and was determined to recover, to resume her independent life with her friends at Fountaingate. However, that was not in the cards. Having once overseen a hospice agency, she knew, all too well, the fate that had befallen her.

Penny was a doting daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and even great grandmother. She is survived by: daughters Jodie Cohen, Renée Haber, and Barri Elkins; sons-in-law Adam Haber and Bill Elkins; 11 grandchildren (and four spouses), and four great grandchildren.

Penny’s funeral will be held Thursday, October 9, at 11:30am, prompt start at noon, at I.J. Morris Funeral Home, located at 21 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/new-york/dix-hills/i-j-morris/1401?utm_source=google_my_business&utm_medium=organic

Immediately following the service, Penny will be laid to rest, at Mount Ararat Cemetery, 1165 NY-109, Lindenhurst, NY 11757:

https://www.mountararatcemetery.com/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oBx2uLHZ2ghVyZ8QA

Immediately following the burial, a shiva meal will be offered at the home of her daughter, Renée Haber, in Roslyn, until 6:00 that evening.

On Friday, October 10, from 2-4pm, Penny’s daughter, Barri Elkins, will host another Shiva at Fountaingate Gardens, 32 Hauppauge Road, Commack, New York 11725 https://www.fountaingateli.org/about-fountaingate-gardens/

Penny spent her last two days in the excellent care of Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk. As a family, we are profoundly grateful for the care our family received during this very difficult time. As such, donations may be directed to https://visitingnurseservice.org/donation-page/

Thank you, and may Penny’s memory be forever for a blessing.