Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Jeanne Louise Penna. She left us on May 11, 2025, and joined Kelly, her beloved husband of 57 years in heaven.

Jeanne was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on March 29, 1941. When she was in ninth grade her family moved to California and settled in Long Beach. Jeanne graduated from David Starr Jordan High School in 1958.

In 1959 she met the love of her life, Kelly Penna and after a short courtship, they were married in 1960. Jeanne and Kelly had two children, Lisa (b.1961) and Michael (b. 1963).

Jeanne had a successful and rewarding career as a legal secretary for many years. She found the legal profession extremely gratifying and thrived in the challenging work environment.

When she wasn’t working, Jeanne loved to spend her free time traveling to the desert with her husband, children, and friends for golf tournaments and pool time. She also loved to spend time reading, listening to music, clothes shopping, exercising, and catching up with her girlfriends.

When Kelly’s career transitioned to Western Airlines, the family spent many memorable vacations in Hawaii and the Bahamas. As a couple, Jeanne and Kelly loved to spend their leisure time in Hawaii and Las Vegas. One of Jeanne’s favorite pastimes was playing the slots and she won several significant jackpots during her many trips to the casinos!

In 1987 Jeanne and Kelly left California and moved to Peachtree City, Georgia for Kelly’s job at Delta Airlines. She loved living on a beautiful golf course and became an avid golfer. They spent many days playing the courses in their community. Jeanne also made a career change and began working in real estate. She obtained her real estate license and sold homes for a builder, and then later worked for an interior design firm. Jeanne was a life-long learner and loved the challenge of new career environments.

In retirement, Jeanne and Kelly moved back to California to be closer to family and friends. They once again lived on a golf course and throughout her life she never tired of sitting on her deck and watching the golfers tee off. Her favorite days included walks with her family at Dana Point Harbor, followed by happy hour at one of her favorite harbor restaurants.

Jeanne lived life in the spirit of one of her favorite quotes which was written by author Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”.

Jeanne was predeceased by her parents Elsie and Eugene “Guy” Bergeron, and brothers Jim and Eddie Bergeron. She is survived by her sisters Dale and Julie Bergeron, daughter Lisa Penna, daughter-in-law Wendy Curb, son Michael Penna, daughter-in-law Natalie Penna and grandchildren Gillian and Brock Penna.

Jeanne’s memorial service will be held on June 28, 2025 at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills. The chapel will be open to receive guests at 10:00am and the service will begin promptly at 10:30am. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the home of Lisa Penna and Wendy Curb:
4 Belcrest, Laguna Niguel 92677