Jeanne Carol Papp, 86, of Newport News, departed this earth on Monday, August 25th, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She brought joy to others by being a good listener and offering sage advice; by always preparing her child’s favorite meal for their birthday or just because they visited and offering her unconditional love.
Mom loved baking so much that she chose to become a baker for the Newport News School System. The school kids were lucky enough to have the best rolls in town. Her cookies, brownies, and cardamom bread are family favorites. The recipes have been shared, as have offers for personal baking lessons.
Her love of food and presentation created food “particulars” in all of us, especially the comfort foods of Cocoa and Toast (which had to be homemade and cut into three strips), Poached Eggs and Homemade
Toast (which had to be cut into small squares –“Just one more Mom” 8 eggs later…). After marrying Bob 56 years ago, she learned how to make some Hungarian favorites such as Chicken Paprikas with Spaetzels (slathered in Butter), Szekely Goulash, and special cream cheese pastries.
Playing games was big family entertainment. Card games like Canasta, Michigan Rummy, Phase 10, and Cribbage were often on the table (of course, little wagers always made it more fun). Scrabble brought out the competitive side for all family members, with years of scoring kept for the records, Jeanne was usually the winner.
Ice Cream was essential in her Circle of Life. Starting as a child, her family took a nightly ride around “the island” in Marquette, MI where she was born. At the end of the ride, the family would get ice cream cones. Once she moved to Cleveland and got married to Bob, her young family would take scenic rides with the destination usually involving an ice cream shop with the best Butter Pecan around. Of course, the family pets were on these rides and would share the younger kids’ cones with many licks. Once empty nesters, ice cream often became dinner after the evening ride. At the end, ice cream was the only thing Mom would eat.
Jeanne gave very thoughtful advice throughout her life, tossing out sayings such as:
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are!” (We always thought these were Mom’s words but recently found out that it was her take on a quote from Theodore Roosevelt).
“Choose your battles” which she would encourage in conversations related to your relationships, work, child-rearing and any other aspect of our lives.
“Kill them with Kindness” when faced with an adverse situation.
“Lipstick makes everything better”
Even while battling dementia she would think about a situation and give her recommendations, which was very thoughtful and appropriate.
Jeanne was the Budget Queen, able to stretch a dollar better than most. She used the envelope method to save for braces, back to school essentials, vacations, and more by putting a dollar or two in an envelope each week. She also saved coins and was able to buy a camping trailer just with the dimes she had saved!
Jeanne and Bob loved to travel, usually camping. The family made countless trips to the Michigan UP, Ohio, and New England to visit family, as well as New York City, Florida, and all in between. Once retired, they made a cross-country camping trip with Jeanne’s sister Pat and husband Wayne, hitting as many tourist sites as possible, flea markets, and antique shops that Jeanne would spy. They also went on a memorable Alaskan Cruise with both of Jeanne’s sisters and husbands.
These memories shared all revolve around Family! Jeanne had a great impact in all of the lives she touched. Amidst the joys, celebrations, laughter, crying, difficult times, and even struggles that Jeanne faced or anyone else in the family, Jeanne was there with strength, encouragement and love!
Jeanne was preceded in death by her sons Bobby Papp, David Klumb and James Klumb (Tracy). She is survived by her husband, Robert Papp, sisters Pat Lemire (Wayne), Liz Orr (Rodney), daughters Cindy Klumb (John Aleandro), Nancy Morgan (Beth Dimun), and son Daniel Klumb (Tricia). She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, James, Jessica, Jordyn, Andy, Abby, and Amanda, and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Shirley of Active Daily Living and Amedisys Hospice care team for making Mom’s last months more comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A graveside celebration of life will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park on Friday, September 5th at 2:00 PM.
A reception will follow at Cindy and John’s house: 610 Lucas Creek Rd. Ne