Penelope Harrell

Penelope “Penny” Huebsch Harrell, 88, of Scarborough, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 20th, 2025. We are grateful she was able to remain home and surrounded by family, as per her wishes. She was born on August 17th, 1937, in Washington, D.C., and adopted at six weeks old by Ann and Elmer Huebsch. Her mother would proudly tell her, “Most people have a child. We got to PICK you.” She adored her parents and was devoted to them her whole life.

Penny was raised in Darien, Connecticut. She attended Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut, followed by Finch College in New York City. She was in one of the first classes at Finch to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Penny loved living and learning in the Upper East Side and remembered her college years as some of her happiest.

While in New York, she met Robert “Bodie” Collins. They married in 1960 and soon started their family in Birmingham, Alabama, where Bodie was completing his residency at University Hospital. They had their first daughter, Creagh, in 1962, and their second daughter, Leika, 18 months later.

Tragically, in late 1965, Bodie’s life was lost to an automobile accident. Heartbroken but resolute, Penny returned to Darien to be close to her parents while raising her young daughters. There, she met and married Dr. Samuel Harrell in 1967. Together, they had a beloved son, James. Ultimately, they separated amicably, remaining friends and coparents.

Penny was overjoyed to be a mother to her three children; she relished in parenthood, as caring for children was a natural gift of hers.

After raising her children and caring for her aging parents in Darien for several decades, Penny moved to Maine. She first lived in Cumberland Foreside, later relocating to Scarborough. During her 33 years in Maine, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, reading voraciously, and providing doting care to her pet birds. From early on in life, she owned many small birds & parrotlets and became an invaluable resource for other bird owners in the New England area.

Penny was an eternal reassuring presence for her children. She was an avid collector of teddy bears, dolls, and miniatures. She was passionate about animal rights, her trips to Hannaford, and game shows. Her love for her local community and neighborhood showed in both Connecticut and Maine. She always enjoyed a good phone call.

Penny is survived by her children and their partners; Creagh and Mike Connors of Westport, CT, Leika and John Powers of Cape Elizabeth, ME, and Jay Harrell and Maria Aloupis of Scarborough, ME; as well as her grandchildren, Shannon, Ryan, Annabel and Olivia. She is also survived by Taka, her last remining pet bird, a 26-year-old Myers Parrot.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Penny’s favorite charities, The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in her memory.