Ponpan “Penny” K Roberts passed peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of November 19, 2018. Penny went to rest comfortably in her own home in Jacksonville, Florida. Penny was born on January 24th, 1946 in Bangkok, Thailand, to father Naun and mother Maoun. She was one of six girls and three boys. Penny met her dedicated husband Michael when he was in the Air Force and stationed in Thailand. They fell deeply in love, and the rest is history: Penny emigrated to the United States with Michael in 1973, where she raised her daughters and grandchildren.
After moving to Jacksonville, Florida in 1989, Penny worked at Morrison’s Cafeteria, where she met her future son-in-law, Pete. Not long after, she started her career at SunOptic Technologies (formerly Cuda Industries), where she met her other future son-in-law, Robert. Penny worked alongside both of her daughters, Pontipa and Prapapon for many years at SunOptic. Penny was recognized for 20 years of service to SunOptic before she retired in 2011. Her colleagues and former employers all attest to her diligence and dedication: no matter what job she worked, Penny loved her work and her co-workers. She gave all of herself to everything she did, and her jobs and careers were no different.
After her retirement, Penny focused on her true callings: gardening, fishing, and cooking. She and her husband Michael enjoyed time together on their boat, where Penny was an expert fisherman. She also skillfully cultivated her favorite plants, including birds of paradise, poinsettias, orchids, and roses – all of which line her garden today. She was passionate about her garden and spoke life into her plants, showing them daily love and care. But all who remember Penny remember her in her kitchen. Penny was not satisfied until everyone at her table was fed and supplied with leftovers. To Penny, food was love, and it was the easiest way to express her love for family and friends. Cooking made her happy and it certainly made those around her happy – her Spring Rolls are revered by family and friends alike. She will forever be remembered as the Spring Roll Master.
Religion was always a large part of Penny’s life. She was born and raised Buddhist in Thailand. Later in life, Penny found Christianity in her heart, and lived the rest of her days as a devout follower of Jesus Christ. She tried to live by the Bible every day, and kept her favorite poem, “Footprints”, close to her heart.
Perhaps her proudest achievement was the strong, successful family Penny raised. Penny is survived and honored by her devoted husband, Michael. She leaves her legacy to two beautiful daughters, Pontipa Sabatino and Prapapon Loun, and their families: son-in-law Pete Sabatino, granddaughters Calisa and Elizabeth Sabatino, son-in-law Robert Loun, and grandson Collin Loun, respectively.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23rd in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. The Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223.
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