Penelope Jean (Kline) Phaneuf, 52, of Southborough, passed away on December 19, 2024, at Marlborough Hospital.
She was the daughter of Richard B. Kline, the late Patrice M. (Ryan) Kline and stepdaughter of Joyce Kline. She was the wife of Peter J. Phaneuf.
In addition to Peter, she is survived by her sons, Gage Kline, Jake Kline and Nathan Robillard, her daughter, Jane Robillard, her stepdaughters, Kelsie Phaneuf and Ashley Phaneuf and her stepson, Shea Phaneuf. She is also survived by her brother, Ethan Kline, her father and mother-in-law, Peter and Bonnie Phaneuf as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Penelope grew up in Marlborough, MA and Littleton, NH and was a graduate of Marlborough High School. She was employed by the TJX company and attended Mass Bay Community College for early childhood development until leaving both to raise her children. She later spent nearly 20 years working for the Mauro family at Mauro’s Market where she befriended many people of Southborough. In addition, she was a 3rd generation machinist at the former Dougherty Tool Co, Inc. of Southborough.
Penelope, Opie, or “P”, depending on who you were, was someone that would always listen and put a smile on your face. She was the “Pink Elephant” and never forgot a name, date, event, or anything else. Her smile was so beautiful and her hugs heartfelt and warm. She had a way with children and they loved her; whether it was the silly faces she made or her curly hair brushing in their faces.
Her love for Dave Matthews and Grateful Dead were proudly displayed with her tattoos. The Dreaming Tree tattoo that covered her back was always a conversation starter with strangers that typically ended with a picture and a loving hug. If she was not listening to her music, it was because the Red Sox were playing. She, like her mother, loved the Sox. Penelope would get a new hat every year when attending the Patriots Day Sox Game at Fenway Park. She wore her hats with pride.
Penelope loved the outdoors. She would always share stories when her father took her hunting when she was younger. Once the snow was off the ground, the shoes were off her feet and her scarfs off her neck and tied in her hair and always beautiful. No matter the season, she loved going to Maine, her second home. If she was not in Maine she could be found in her yard, playing with her dogs, Waco and Blue, and caring for her flowers or just sitting in the sun looking like a ray of sunshine.
Much like the sunflowers she loved, Penelope was always turning toward the light and spreading warmth and positivity to those around her.
Friends and family are invited to gather for visiting hours for Penelope on Saturday, January 4, 2024, from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough, MA 01772.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Penelope’s name may be made to Friends of the Southborough Youth Commission – please make checks payable to: Friends of SYC, 17 Common Street, Southborough, MA 01772 or through Venmo @friendsSYC.
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
