Theresa M. (Penni) Alexander passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the age of 93. Theresa was born on April 8, 1925 to Samuel O. Penni, Sr. and Francoise Breau Penni. She was a lifelong resident of Marblehead, Mass.
She graduated from Marblehead High School in 1942. After graduating she assisted her family in running a number of the Penni businesses, including the supermarket 'Penni's', as well as the development of adjacent real estate. She later joined Personnel Relations Associates, a consulting practice founded by her second husband, Paul Alexander. After Mr. Alexander's passing, she founded, with her brother Bill, The Muffin Shop, which continues to this day on Washington Street in old town Marblehead. She also worked with Jeanette Andrews at Andrews and Associates. A consistent theme in everything that she did was the great pride and enjoyment she took in doing whatever she could to make a situation or experience better for her involvement.
Theresa enjoyed taking long walks through old town, by the beaches or around Marblehead Neck (anyone who could keep up with her was welcome and encouraged to join although it was not for the faint of heart). She travelled to Europe and Asia and made friends wherever she went.
But as much joy as she took from these activities, Theresa lived for her family. She was never happier than when sharing time with children or grandchildren. She is survived by her sons William Cruger, Jr. and wife Angela of New York, Christopher Cruger and wife Betsy of Swampscott, David Alexander and wife Dianne of Winchendon, Duane Alexander and wife Suzanne of Salem, and John Alexander and wife Gail of Beverly. She is also survived by grandchildren Will and Emalie Cruger of Swampscott, Degelis Tufts of New York and Elyse Tufts of Marblehead. Two of her siblings, Joe Penni of Boxford, and Anne Penni Cox of Marblehead, her loving nephew Joe Darci of Marblehead, amongst other nieces and nephews who fondly referred to her as Aunt Toni.
Theresa was predeceased by her second husband, Paul Alexander, in 1982. In her latter years she was blessed to have had the tender and loving care of so many people, including but by no means limited to Amani, Olivia, Youm, Gertha, Wendy, Rhoda, and Kim.
A Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead on Friday, January 18 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Make A Wish Foundation (wish.org). Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18