José Francisco Ashenafi Pennings

Pennings, José Francisco

Ann Arbor, MI

His Legacy… José Francisco Ashenafi Pennings, better known as Pepito, 11, passed away January 2, 2023.  He was born on July 28, 2011, in Dawero, Ethiopia. He was adopted into his forever family on February 24, 2015. Pepito will be remembered as a sweet and joyful child. Even though Pepito was blind, he knew what home and family felt like and knew his families’ voices. He was everybody’s favorite person to cuddle with. He was also a total “mama’s boy”. Pepito was very active with his family, he went to Mexico twice, traveled to Boston and Maine, went on camping and hiking trips, enjoyed boat rides and relaxing by the beach. He had a special bond with his siblings and was always at their sports and activities to cheer them on. Pepito was an absolute joy and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

His Family… Pepito will be missed by his parents, Jeff and Ani Pennings; siblings, Juan Pablo, Ana Luisa, Teresa; grandparents, Gary and Anilú Seromik; Rick and Carol Pennings; Aunts and Uncles, Karl (Lindsey) Pennings, Nate (Wendy) Pennings, Jana (Chad) Susie, Mykal Pennings, Sebastian (Mariana) Seromik, Natalia (Antoine) Bielek, Paulina Seromik; godparents, Adam and Maria Skoczylas; and cousins, Seth, Luke, Norah, Anna, Luci, JJ, Joshua, Emma, Ethan, Caleb, Étienne, Dominique, Daniela, Gabriela, Jack, Alex, Gabi, Leo, and two more on the way.

His Farewell… Pepito’s family and friends will gather from 6:00PM-9:00PM, Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 Ave Maria Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM (10AM gathering), Friday, January 6, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Father Ed Fride will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to Huron Valley Catholic School.  Please leave a message of comfort for Pepito’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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