Darlene Marie Penrod (Sopata)

Ms. Darlene Penrod, age 78, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2022, in Silver Spring, Maryland after battling long term health issues. She was born on March 30, 1944, in her beloved hometown of Portage, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Joseph Sopata (deceased) and Mary Gruse-Sopata (Deceased). She was the sister of Francis “Foozie” Sopata (deceased) and Patty Sopata. She is survived by her sons: Kenneth Penrod, Jeffrey Penrod, and Jason Penrod and Jason’s wife Lori Penrod. She is also survived by her (“gifts”) grandchildren: Nicole Rudolph, Hunter Penrod, Sabrina Penrod, Natalie Penrod, and Emily Penrod. In addition, she is survived by her great granddaughter: Keatyn Rae Rudolph. She is survived by her cherished cat: “Pumpkin”. She was preceded in death by her dog children: Hector, Christy, Huey, and Princess.

Ms. Darlene grew up in Portage, Pennsylvania and graduated from Portage High School. She was married at age 19 and moved to the Washington DC area where she gave birth to two boys by age 21. After her divorce in 1977, she immediately found employment with Al Flax Accounting Agency as a bookkeeper. She would then continue her professional reputation as a project manager with the Charles Riddle Company and Walsh Construction Company. She would be a valuable and respected employee within the companies she worked and the entire construction industry for over 30 years while single handedly raising three boys and providing for all the expenses that children entail. After her divorce her fierce independence was supported and encouraged by her loyal friends; Carol Means, Bunny Koehler, Patsy Jacoby, Mary Bayless-Jarvis, Helen Roberts, Brenda and Greg Howard, and Sue Lender. She was not only the patriarch to the Penrod Family but to many in the Wheaton Veirs Mill Village neighborhood where she resided for over 35 years. She would become a second mother to neighbors: Dawn Brooks, Victor Brooks, and Robbie Jenkins. She was also treated like a friend and mother by the entire Borie family.

Ms. Darlene never eschewed the hard, adult work of being a parent and remained on duty for an uninterrupted 58 years. She was a loving, dedicated and supportive mother. She was a loyal and sharing friend. Always the active listener and empathizer to anyone that wished to share the good, the bad and the routine of life. She was a humble giver that listened to others without interruption or personal ego. The early death of her mother and a tumultuous home life led to her love being projected onto animals and that love would remain until her last day. At home, she cherished her bird feeders, hummingbirds, deer, groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, foxes and all animals of every shape and size that showed up at her residence looking for handouts that she made sure were always present. She enjoyed golf, fishing, and walking. She loved true crime novel, Beringer White Zinfandel Moscato wine, burnt hotdogs, Medium rare hamburgers, gardening, crème filled donuts, cutting the lawn into perfect strips, and meditating through vacuuming and cleaning her house. She was a Polish Bobby Flay and

she enjoyed watching people eat her food. Her greatest pleasure was taking her dogs on long walks through the wood of Rock Creek Park.

She lived by the “Golden Rule” as dictated by her faith and her God. Her faith in God was unchallenged and she lived her life with uncompromised values, morals, and kindness. A person who blossomed in her challenges but found happiness in simplicity. She never asked for anything but gave willingly. She was resilient, forgiving, understanding and selfless. All of this hid the inner character of a fighter that refused to concede to self-pity. She was a cancer and abuse survivor. They said she wouldn’t make it without them and all she did was shed the cocoon of control to become a beautiful and thriving butterfly.

Ms. Darlene will be terribly missed by many. Her goodness was spread to all that knew her, and she taught us that one can be strong while being selflessly giving to others. Now is the time for her to think of herself and enjoy her time in heaven. Now is the time for Ms. Darlene to be taken care of by the God that she worshipped and had the greatest of faith. She was a giver but now is time to receive God’s covenant. That is our prayer.

There will be a memorial scheduled for September 17, 2022, at the Concordia Lutheran Church, 17906 Garden Lane Hagerstown, Maryland. The memorial service starts at 11:00 am followed by a gathering of friends and family. Contact Kenny Penrod at 240-478-9055 with any questions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider completing a selfless act for a stranger, a family member, a friend, or an animal. At the completion of your kind act, Look up and smile at her. She will be smiling down on you. There is no better way of honoring her memory. She will be missed beyond comprehension. Fly, Fly Fly mom and be free.