Mary Edith (Penkala) Bardy, 73 of Webster, died Tuesday, November 26, 2013 after a long struggle with cancer.

She leaves her husband of 46 years, Stephen R. Bardy of Webster; a son, Stephen E. Bardy of Dudley; a brother, Donald T. Penkala of Attleboro; a sister, Judith Ofcarcik of Cumberland, RI.

She was born in Dudley, daughter of the late Anthony J. and Mary Edith (Fullam) Penkala and lived in the Dudley-Webster area all her life.  She was a graduate of Bryant College of Business Administration, with a B.B.A. summa cum laude.  While at Bryant, she was on the Dean's list several times and was awarded the Bryant College Golden Key for outstanding scholastic achievement.  While at Bryant, she was a member of the Sigma Iota Chi Sorority, the Marketing Club and the Law Club.  She received the Gold Medal for highest scholastic honors.  Additionally, she was honored with the Roger W. Babson Award, which is given for sound judgment, vision and systematic business habits.  She worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Worcester and then was a loving housewife for her family.

She was a member of Saint Louis Church.  She was a gardener, taking pride in her vegetables and flowers.  She was a great cook and would always prepare tasty meals for her family.  She made wonderful ceramic decorations and was very artistically inclined.  She enjoyed making her house look festive and warm with her ceramics, decorative figurines, and handmade ornaments.  She was an avid book reader and loved being alone to enjoy her books in the comfort of her home.  She enjoyed going to bookstores to browse and could stay there for hours.  She was an animal advocate and loved all animals and would regularly contribute to their causes.  Early in her life, she owned two dogs, Sandy and her beloved Heidi.  In her later years, she would take care of numerous cats that made the outside of her house their home, and adopted an abandoned beagle, Millie, who still resides there today.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, with a Mass at 10:00 am in Saint Louis Church, Lake Street, Webster. Please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Community Cat Connection, 289 Main Street, Webster, MA 01570.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, 48 School Street, Webster is directing arrangements.  A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com .