With profound and extreme love we are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Vanessa Anastasia Pettengill, age 45, of Norwich, on May 7, 2025.

Vanessa was a loving mother to Marcelino Hernandez and Alexandra Pettengill. She held them close to her heart. She was the adored daughter to Dennis and Glynis Pettengill Jr, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Anita Pettengill and Dan Telesco of Sandy Hook, and Marie Honyotski Jollymore of New Hampshire. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother, Jane Packer of Rhode Island.

Family was the most important to her. She was devoted to her siblings Samantha Pettengill, Zachary Pettengill, Keri Jollymore Warenda (Robert) and Jake Jollymore. She was a doting aunt to her nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them.

She loved her aunts and uncles Barbara Holstein, Lana Oberman, Debbie Oberman (Ira Levine), Lisa Dreesen (Mark), Mark Pettengill (Jessica), Erica Pettengill (Rena), Andrea Willard (David), Lori Honyotski, and Diane Long.

Vanessa was dedicated to her cats and turtles. She loved a very special dog, Tennessee, who brightened her life and they gave each other joy. Vanessa spent a good part of her childhood living in Newtown and graduated from Danbury High School and went on to study criminal justice in college.

Vanessa was an avid gardener with a green thumb. She produced an overabundance of vegetables that she shared with everyone. Her specialty was her love for cooking and baking. She shared her fun with cooking on social media and fed her family with passion. Their favorite was empanadas and rice. She enjoyed baking and rallied during the holidays, spending hours baking. She also loved traveling, crafting and reading.

Vanessa was a dedicated medical associate who touched the lives of countless patients. She was highly respected by her co-workers who said she was the most positive friendly person that brought sunshine to their lives every day.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Dennis W. Pettengill, Sr.; maternal grandparents Joseph and Theresa Honyotski, and Max and Sadie Oberman; sibling Kerri Lee Morill; an uncle, Edward Oberman; and Katherine and Charlotte Jollymore.

Vanessa touched the lives of so many whose lives she crossed paths with. She left a lasting impression with her charismatic personality, and her ability to walk into a room and bring light and love to those around her. "Vanessa," meaning butterfly, is now flying with the angels. She will be in our thoughts and hearts forever.

Donations can be made to Newtown Parent Connection. 2 Washington Square, Newtown CT 06470.

A celebration of her life will take place July 20, 2025. For more information, contact Vanessa07202025@gmail.com.