Pennelope Mae (Potts) McBride

Pennelope “Penny” Mae (Potts) McBride, age 77, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at 4:22 pm, at Oakview Heights, leaving behind a family who will forever cherish her memory and a lifetime of laughter that will never be forgotten.

She was born July 11, 1948, in Hammond, Indiana. She was the daughter of Harry Victor “Vic” Potts and Martha Donnella (Gibson) Krup.

Penny worked as a receptionist at the Health Department and enjoyed her time there.

As the oldest sister of six siblings, Victor “Skip” (Marcia) Potts, Donald “Donnie” (Patti) Krup, Mary Jane “Janey” (Greg) Brummett, Angel (Mark) Barber, and William “Willy” (Tanja) Krup, she naturally took on the role of protector, guide, and occasional boss — a title she wore with confidence and a wink. She was a steady presence in her family, offering strength, wisdom, and unwavering love to those who looked to her for comfort and advice, whether they wanted it or not.

To know Penny was to know laughter. Her sharp wit, perfectly timed humor, and playful spirit could light up any room. Even in life’s hardest moments, she had a way of bringing smiles to others and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously. Her humor was one of her most treasured and unforgettable qualities. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. Her love for her children was unconditional, constant, and fierce and being their mother was one of her greatest joys in life. She carried that same boundless love into her role as a grandmother and a great-grandmother, finding endless joy, pride and purpose as they brought light to her life and laughter to her heart. Her family, across generations, was her greatest blessing.

Penny leaves behind her loving children, James (Shelia) Obermeyer, and Gwendolyn (Larry) Luttrell. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Hannah Marcia Lee, Haley Leeper, Andrew Leeper, Savannah, Alex Obermeyer, Anthony (Obermeyer) Bowersock, Luke Obermeyer, and Levi Obermeyer and her great-grandchildren, Nikolia, Lexi, Milo, Odin VanMater and Addison Obermeyer and also her brothers, Victor “Skip” (Marcia) Potts, Donald “Donnie” (Patti) Krup, and William “Willy” (Tanja) Krup and sisters Mary Jane “Janey” (Greg) Brummett and Angel (Mark) Barber.  

Preceding her in death was her beloved child, Michael Potts, and her parents, Martha (Donald F.) Krup, and Harry Victor “Vic” (Dorothy) Potts, each of them played an important role in her life, and she carried their love and guidance with her always. We find comfort knowing she is now reunited with them forever.  

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we shared, the memories we will treasure, and the laughter that will continue to echo whenever we think of her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Per her wishes, Penny will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Penny’s family.

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