Kathleen H. Penn

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Dolores Holtz Dennehy Penn. Kathleen was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, touching the lives of everyone who knew her. Her dedication to her six children and her deep faith carried her through many losses.

Kathleen was the youngest of four children born to John and Katherine Holtz on January 31, 1929. She grew up alongside her two older brothers, Everett and William, and her sister, Dorothy Wall. She remained especially close with her sister throughout their lives, sharing an unconditional bond. Despite being born during the Great Depression, when pennies were tight, her mother made sure her beautiful baby girl received a butterfly cookie each week, a small gesture that reflected the love surrounding her.

Kathleen was born and raised in the Edgewater neighborhood of the Bronx and later passed away on Edgewater Parkway in Indian Land, South Carolina, a meaningful connection between the beginning and end of her life.

Growing up along the New York coast and bay, Kathleen spent long hours swimming and harvesting clams. Her time outdoors fostered a deep appreciation for nature, adventure, and a lifelong love of the water, which she carried into her later years through competitive swimming. Her childhood was filled with laughter, warmth, and cherished memories that reflected the joy and strength of her early years.

During her school years, Kathleen Holtz formed a close friendship with Kathleen Dennehy. They often visited one another’s homes, looked at photographs of each other’s older brothers, and dreamed of their futures. In time, those dreams came true, as each married the other’s brother, exchanging last names and becoming family in a beautiful and unexpected way. During and after high school, Kathleen worked in Manhattan's fashion industry.

Kathleen Holtz married Thomas Joseph Dennehy on November 13, 1948, at the Church of Saint Pascal Baylon in Hollis, Long Island. Thomas was a highly decorated WWII veteran with the Army Air Corps. Returning from the war Thomas worked in the fashion industry at Sterns-Merritt, which relocated Kathleen and Tom, along with their four children, to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1956. They became active members of St. Ann’s Church and school community, where they built a strong foundation for their growing family and welcomed two more children.

In 1963, Tom passed away, leaving Kathleen to raise six children on her own. She met this challenge with extraordinary grace, strength, and fortitude.

After her children were grown and beginning their own careers and families, Kathleen was introduced to Alfred Dupree Penn. Their friendship blossomed into a loving marriage in January 1983 at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church. Together, they traveled and worked side by side at the Penn Company in Matthews. In January 1989, Alfred passed away after a battle with cancer, and Kathleen courageously continued to run the company until her retirement.

Each chapter of Kathleen’s life reflected her unwavering faith, dedication, and resilience.

Kathleen is survived by her children Kathy Tighe, Diane Bullock (Michael), Linda Dennehy, Cheryll Dennehy (Chris Driggs), Robert Dennehy, and stepson David Penn; her grandchildren Joseph Tighe (Sarah), Gregory Bullock (Danielle), David Bullock (Alyssa), Emily Harland (Michael), Megan Daniel (Will), and Caroline Dennehy (Sarah); six great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her son Brian Dennehy (Rex), who passed in 2006, and her daughter-in-law Elisa Dennehy, beloved wife of Robert Dennehy, who passed in 2025. She was also preceded in death by many friends and loved ones who now welcome her with open arms. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who cherish her.

Kathleen will be remembered for her generous spirit, her deep devotion to her Catholic faith, and her remarkable strength and determination. She treasured holidays, created meaningful family traditions, and was always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. She had a compassionate heart, a strong sense of empathy, and the courage to stand up for what was right. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled in her children and in the love she shared so freely with her family.

The family would like to thank the staff and management at Somerby at Edgewater for their exceptional care and love. Your dedication was seen and deeply appreciated.

A Mass of Christian burial and celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, on March 5, 2026, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make donations to RAIN AIDS Care Team at Donation Form | RAIN as Kathleen was a very active member of St. Matthew’s RAIN team.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.