Obituary of Ann C. Penta

Ann C. Penta, a retired supervisor and technician at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023.  She was 82 years old.  Ann was born in Somerville MA and was the daughter of the late Michael and Antoinette “Anna” (Giobbe) Penta.  Her family moved to Burlington when she was a child.  She was a graduate of Burlington High School, Class of 1959.  She went on to Emmanuel College to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and Chemistry and was a member of Tri Beta Biological Honor Society. Following her graduation, she immediately went to work at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston as a research technician and eventually a supervisor.  She participated in many cancer studies and was recognized for her work at Dana Farber and is noted in many publications. She continued her career at Dana Farber for forty-seven years until her retirement in 2010. She was an avid reader with mystery and romance novels being her favorite genre.  She was always willing to participate in social activities including Zumba classes and dinners with family and friends.  She was a longtime and faithful parishioner at Saint Margaret’s Church.  She was always well informed in all the current local and world events and politics.  She was fortunate to travel with her good friend, Mary Lois to Hawaii, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and countless other destinations.  

Ann had a great sense of wisdom, a kind word for all, and an infectious laugh.  She was an extremely devoted daughter and cared for her parents until their passing.  She will be sorely missed by all her family including many cousins and friends including her Aunt Esther Penta with whom she spent countless days with over her lifetime.  

She has left us all with a life lesson, to be kind and generous to all and to always make an effort to help those in need. 

Ann was the loving daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Giobbe) Penta and was the sister of the late John Penta.  She is survived by many extended family members and friends.  

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan funeral home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Monday, March 27 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Boston.  Memorials in Ann’s name may be made to St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803 or Dana Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org.  For obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net