Carmen (Lindala) Pennington, 64, passed away with her family by her side after a short and courageous battle with cancer on December 9, 2025.
Carmen was born at University Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., to John and Beverly Lindala on August 3, 1961. Growing up in a military family meant moving often, but when her father was stationed in the United States, she was able to spend every summer in Annandale, Minn. Surrounded by her many cousins on Lake Sylvia, she made memories she cherished her entire life.
Family was always at the center of Carmen’s world. Her greatest joys were cooking, gathering with the people she loved, and creating a warm home for those around her. She was known for her strength, her generosity, and her deeply selfless nature. Above all, she adored her son, CJ Dicks, and her grandchildren – Charlie, Harvey, and Wyatt – who were the absolute loves of her life. She also cherished her cat, Penelope, who she and Tom shared.
Carmen met Tom Pennington 15 years ago, and together they built a warm, loving life. They married two years ago, a moment that brought them both deep happiness. Carmen also grew close with Tom’s daughters–Leslie (Jason) Smith and Laura Pennington – and she cherished the time she spent with Sharon Rust (Pennington}, who preceded her in death.
Carmen is survived by her husband, Tom Pennington; her son, CJ (Jamie) Dicks; her mother, Beverly (David Schwirtz); her sisters, Sherri (Tom) Hunter; and Dawn (Deron) Rush; her stepmother, Donna Lindala; her half-siblings, JR (Lidsey) Lindala and Kimberly (Dirk) Cartrett; and her step-siblings, Jennifer Jones, David Jr. (Stephanie) Schwirtz, and Eric (Nichoal) Schwirtz. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Charlie, Harvey, Dillon, and Wyatt; her nephews, Tommy and Toby Hunter; and her niece, Nicole Hunter (Mong), and Nicole’s daughters, Laura and Nina. She is also remembered fondly by CJ’s in-laws, Gayle and James Witte.
Carmen was preceded in death by her father, John Lindala; her grandmothers, Esther (Josephson) Envey and Ida (Lindala) Nyberg; and by Sharon Rust (Pennington).
A private celebration of Carmen’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorials can be sent to Tom Pennington, 2363 State Route 232, New Richmond, OH 45157.