Jean L. Penkevich

Jean L. Penkevich, formerly of Stambaugh, passed away on Friday, March 19 at Abbey Park, New Hudson, Michigan. She was born on April 16, 1929, the eldest daughter of the late John and Lily (Luxton) Mumford in Plymouth, England. Jean grew up in England with her three sisters and brother during World War II. Shortly after the war, Jean met and married the love of her life Frank Penkevich, a US Navy sailor. They were married on April 12, 1947. Jean moved to Stambaugh, Michigan in October of 1947, traveling to the States on a troop ship filled with “War Brides”. Jean loved being a wife and mother to five children and was active in the Blessed Sacrament Guild in Stambaugh, teaching catechism and singing in the church choir. Jean always had an open door and open heart to all who needed an ear, and many conversations were conducted around a pot of tea and cookies. She was happiest when she was surrounded by Frank, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jean and Frank moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1983 and Jean moved to New Hudson following Frank’s death. Jean is survived by her daughters: Debra (Richard) Wightman (Fremont, MI) and Jean (David) Abbott (Bellingham, WA); her sons: David (Sally) Penkevich (Eaton Rapids, MI), Steven (Barbara) Penkevich (New Hudson, MI) and Michael (Laurie) Penkevich (Ada, MI); her sisters: Rose Brooks (England) and Carol Hughes (Australia); brothers: Peter (Mavis) Mumford (Australia) and Brian (Cathy) Mumford (England); 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank on April 26, 2015, her sister, June Gatland, and brother, John Mumford. Visitation will be held on April 30, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at noon at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian. Interment will be at Stambaugh Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s name can be made to: The Samuel Omogo Foundation, 1751 28th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 or samuelomogofoundation.org. The purpose of the Foundation is to bring clean water to the people living in the Nigerian state of Ebonyi. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jean L. Penkevich, please visit our flower store.