Jeanne G. Fey

Jeanne G. Fey passed away peacefully of natural causes at home in New York City on July 25, 2024, surrounded by family and loving caregivers. She was 93.

The oldest child of Constantine and Vasiliki Xenakes, baby Zenobia Gustandina Athena Xenakes was born on December 6, 1930 in Piraeus, Greece. She emigrated as an infant to Philadelphia, the city where her parents had met and married. Zenobia, later Americanized to Jeanne, was a devoted older sister to her brothers Zacharias (Jack), Napoleon (Nick), and Stamatios (Peter), all of whom preceded her in death.

Jeanne was a graduate of Bartram Junior High and West Philadelphia High School. In her twenties she and a friend made the adventurous decision to relocate to Boston, where she worked for financial firm Janney Montgomery Scott. Jeanne relished that era of independence even when it meant living in a fifth floor walk-up: “We had the best legs in Boston.” Don Fey, a friend of her brothers, must have agreed. The two were married in May 1961 at St. Demetrios Church in Upper Darby.  She welcomed her beloved son Peter in 1962 and her “bonus baby” Tina in 1970. Jeanne said that being a mother was her greatest achievement.  

Jeanne welcomed everyone into her home, and no one escaped without being fed. Christmas Eve open houses, unplanned visits that turned into long lunches--her house was always filled with family, friends, food, and laughter.

She was a formidable and merciless Scrabble player. Jeanne’s favorite place to be was on her porch glider, enjoying her 20-foot high pink rhododendron in the summer, or watching the leaves turn on School Lane’s gorgeous oak trees in the fall, all while making quick work of the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.

Her warm embrace and sharp wit will also be missed by nieces and nephews, in-laws, and generations of friends. She was “YiaYia” to many, beloved by all.  

She is survived by her children Peter and Tina, her cherished grandchildren Alex, Alice, and Penelope, her daughter-in-law Dee, and her son-in-law Jeff.

Donations in Jeanne’s honor can be made to the Upper Darby Township & Sellers Memorial Free Public Library http://www.udlibraries.org/ or the Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater  Delaware https://rmhcdelaware.org/

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