Muriel E Pennachio

Muriel (Cookie) Pennachio, 94, of Riverside, RI, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025.

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Muriel was the beloved wife of the late Robert Cooke and Ralph Pennachio and the devoted mother of the late Christine Marcello and grandmother of the late Philip Mello.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Sharon Mello, and her partner, Rich Antunes; her cherished grandchildren, Rick Mello, Scott Mello and his fiancé, Jessica, Brian Mello and his wife, Carla, Shilow Marcello and her husband, Jesse Pfortsch, and Meghan Marcello and her husband, Mike Santos. Muriel was also deeply loved by her granddaughter Alex Lister and her husband, Rob Lynch. She was the proud great-grandmother of Scott Mello Jr. and his wife, Stephanie, Nathan Mello, Christine Pfortsch, Connor Santos, and Riley and Jack Lynch. Affectionately known as “Nana,” she was adored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry her love and memory forward.

Muriel enjoyed a long career with New England Telephone, where she was a dedicated employee and a dear friend to many. She will be remembered for her quick wit, sassy personality, and lifelong passion for reading. She also loved traveling and spending her retirement years in Florida, where she created lasting memories with family and friends.

Family and friends will forever treasure Muriel’s warmth, humor, and vibrant spirit.

A private family service will be held to honor her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Muriel’s memory to a local library or literacy program, celebrating her lifelong love of reading.