Jean P. Alexy

Jean M. Penberth Alexy, born January 26, 1944, daughter of Verna (Kramer) Penberth and Harold W. Penberth, passed away on July 28, 2026, at the age of 82. She was a resident of Frankfort, Kentucky, at the time of her passing, but also called many other cities “home” throughout her life, including Pottsville, PA; Philadelphia, PA; New Britain, CT; Laurens, SC; Collierville, TN; Corinth, MS; Longwood, FL; and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She leaves behind two devoted daughters, Christine Bryan and Karen Waldrop (Glenn); two precious grandchildren Eden Robertson (Jacob Wiessner) and Zachary Waldrop; and two beloved sisters, Sandra Schappell (Paul) and her twin Jane Baldwin (Bill). She cherished her nieces and nephews and their families: Lori Renno, William Schappell, Paula Schappell, David Baldwin, Amy Moore, Rebecca Weldon, Joshua Baldwin, Susan Smith, and Cindy Cole. She also treasured her bonus granddaughter Brittany Allen-Waldrop and her bonus great-grandchildren: Bransen, Duncan, Sterling, Beau, and Stevie Jo. She was preceded in death by her parents. During her youth in Philadelphia, she was an active Girl Scout, volunteered at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary school, rode the giant tortoises at the Philadelphia Zoo, took trolleys, trains, and buses all over town, swam on her high school team, danced on American Bandstand, and graduated from John Bartram High School. As an adult, she worked in banking, bookkeeping, and credit processing, both before and after being a full-time mom. She attended Calvary Assembly of God, spent a decade as a Girl Scout Leader and worked as a school volunteer at Wekiva Elementary, Teague Middle, and Lake Brantley High. In retirement she continued to be a faithful library patron, having been a voracious reader and learner her whole life. She was an avid jigsaw puzzler, Hallmark Ornament collector, and classic movie lover. She studied maps and atlases and followed along the routes of her daughters’ travels. They always brought her treasures of sand, shells, and rocks from around the globe. Her favorite time was spent as a doting Nana. Whether she was hiding Easter eggs, playing games, or simply listening to their stories, nothing made her happier than making memories with them. She never missed a baseball game of Zachary’s or a band performance of Eden’s. Jean taught her children and grandchildren the importance of being “gentle, kind, and loving.” This was not just a saying she used -- she lived these words every day. She was generous, thoughtful, and patient. She wanted to bring joy and happiness to everyone around her, and her smiles and laughter brightened up every day. She celebrated every holiday on the calendar and loved to give gifts of the season. The love she gave was also shown to her by so many friends and family. Her family is especially grateful for the many years of care provided by Dr. Matthew Bucher. Jean was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her steps throughout her life. The day she passed, her daughters were comforted by this hand-written verse tucked in her Bible: “Who of you can add a single hour to your life by worrying? If you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?” We will miss hearing her burst into gospel songs and hearing her cheery “Maranatha!” on Easter mornings. She is rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord Jesus and assured us that she will greet us all with great joy and shouts from across the River Jordan when the time comes. A private memorial service for immediate family will take place in Frankfort. Burial and a celebration of life will take place in Pennsylvania at a future date. If you would like to share a memory or a thought about Jean (Nana), the family can be reached at P.O. Box 4747, Frankfort, KY 40604. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to any library or your local Girl Scouts. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home.

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Jean P. Alexy

January 26, 1944 - July 28, 2026