Nell Ruth Peperis

Nell Ruth Peperis, 90, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026. She was born on November 14, 1935, in Murray, Kentucky, to John Carlisle Kirby and Dell Creekmore Kirby.

Nell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony Peperis of Springfield, Massachusetts; her brothers Joe Kirby and JC Kirby; and her sister Irene Kirby Jones.

She is survived by her brother Robert Kirby and sister Mary Virginia Payne; her son, Steve Peperis and wife Lori Peperis of Monson, Massachusetts; and her three daughters: Dede Brignardello and husband Mike Brignardello of Franklin, Tennessee; Denise Peperis of Auburn, Kentucky; and Donna Brown and husband Bill Brown of Panama City Beach, Florida. She was a proud grandmother to Amy, Jenna, Nick, Nikki, Tony, Steve, and Sydney, and a cherished great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren.

Nell was a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox faith, which remained an important foundation throughout her life.

An accomplished and award-winning artist, Nell built a respected career doing what she loved most. Her artwork is proudly displayed in the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, a testament to her talent and dedication. In addition to her professional work, she shared her passion for art by teaching privately inspiring countless students through her instruction, encouragement, and creativity.

Nell will be remembered for her artistic gifts, her strong faith, her love for family, and the legacy she leaves behind both in her beautiful works of art and in the many lives she touched.

Visitation will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Broadway Chapel until the Funeral Service at 1:00pm with burial at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts.