Julie A.( Cicia) Penry, age 77, of Shelton, entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 22, 2026, at Griffin Hospital in Derby with her loving family by her side. She was born in Derby on November 12, 1948, beloved daughter of the late Alice (Morrissey) Cicia and Dr. Harry Cicia, former mayor of Derby.
Julie was not only deeply loved, she was truly extraordinary. She possessed a rare blend of strength and tenderness, intelligence and compassion. To know her was to feel seen, heard, and valued. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought encouragement, and her love left a permanent imprint on the hearts of those fortunate enough to be part of her life.
Julie attended schools in Shelton, graduating from Laurelton Hall in Milford, Class of 1966, and later from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, Class of 1970.
Her professional life reflected her heart. Julie dedicated herself to uplifting children and families throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley. She was affiliated with Twin Peaks Counseling, LLC; the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center (PCRc/BHcare); the City of Shelton Youth Service Bureau; and the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council.
With vision and determination, she created a self-esteem program that was implemented in schools across Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Shelton. The State of Connecticut later mirrored her program for broader use, a lasting testament to her passion, innovation, and belief in the potential of every child.
She formed many meaningful friendships through Parents Without Partners and throughout her life.
There are so many people who became part of Julie’s story, longtime friends who never drifted away, caretakers who showed compassion beyond their duties, and the quiet angels who stepped in during her recent years with rides, visits, meals, phone calls, and help caring for her beloved dog, Emma.
To each of you, please know that you were a blessing in her life. Your presence brought her comfort on hard days, laughter on lighter ones, and reassurance that she was never alone. Your kindness did not go unnoticed and it mattered deeply.
There are simply too many of you to name without risking leaving someone out, but Julie carried each of you in her heart with immense gratitude and love. Her family will forever be thankful for the tenderness and loyalty you showed her.
Julie was a woman of quiet strength, deep compassion, fierce devotion to her family, and an unwavering belief in lifting others up. She built programs that changed lives, friendships that endured decades, and a family that will forever carry her spirit forward. She was and always will be extraordinarily special.
Her family was the center of her world and her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments was being a devoted mother to her son Vincent Penry and his wife Jill of Newtown, and her daughter Amy Penry of Shelton. She was a loving and adoring Nana to Ethan Penry, David Penry, Mason Zoeller, Ella Zoeller, Aiden Stinson and AJ Stinson, a role she cherished with her whole heart. She is also survived by her former husband, Jerry Penry and his wife Jane, former son-in-law Justin Zoeller, and cherished cousins, including Leon Sylvester, Geralyn Garrity, Kim Cook, Bob D’Aiuto, and many others.
Julie was predeceased by her brother, Harry
Her family also extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses at Griffin Hospital, the hospice nurses who provided compassionate care, CHF/COPD Clinic at Griffin Hospital personnel , Echo Ambulance, APRN Amy Jones, Dr. Magdalen Mauriello, Dr. Chi Tang, Dr. Alexander Carrese, and Dr. Joel Zaretzky for their dedication and kindness.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Shelton Animal Shelter, 11 Brewster Lane, Shelton, CT 06484 or My Sister Place, 380 Main St. Ansonia, CT 06401.
Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.riverviewfh.com.