Emogene I. Penning Slosek

Emogene I. Penning (Slosek), age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Emogene was born on June 26, 1936 in the tiny town of Titusville, Pennsylvania where she adored so many childhood and youthful memories of small town life. Her father, Douglas, was a chief engineer and her mother, Lorena, was a skilled homemaker, reader, artist, and gardener.

As a teen, Emogene worked briefly at a radio station. She then relocated to Connecticut where she studied nursing and temporarily worked as a nurse. However, she quickly realized that her heart was meant to teach. Part of her education began at the Southbury Training School where she studied special education and made many great memories. She went on to teach first grade in Oxford, CT for thirty-five years. She then retired to work as a literacy volunteer at the Garner Correctional Institute in Newtown, CT and as a librarian at the Children’s Community School in Waterbury, CT. Throughout her life and career, she went out of her way to nurture and empower those she met and worked with, coming to know them as individuals and giving them strength, hope, joy, and laughter through friendship and teaching.

In addition to her career as an educator, Emogene enjoyed pastimes such as gardening, traveling, camping, being a cat owner, reading cozy mysteries, watching classic movies, seeing musicals, and listening to many singers. Martha’s Vineyard was a favorite summer home of hers. She was also an avid seafood lover and foodie who enjoyed many-a-wonderful meals with family and friends. Above all, she was an exceptional, loving, caring, and supportive mother, grandmother, family member, and friend.

Emogene leaves her daughter Susan Falato, her son-in-law William Filanowski, her granddaughter Abigail Falato, her cousins, and her closest friends with whom she spent immeasurable moments of time, conversations, and holiday gatherings. She was a most incredible support and was most generous to all family and friends.

A small, celebratory gathering will be held Monday, January 19 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a service beginning at 3:30 PM at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street N. Southbury, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, Emogene’s family welcomes family and friends to donate to the Children’s Community School in Waterbury, CT.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com