Jo-An Peabody Alexander

1931 - 2025

Jo-an Peabody Alexander

November 24, 1931 - May 28, 2025

Jo-an Peabody Alexander 1931-2025 passed away peacefully May 28, 2025. She was surrounded by her two sons, daughter, daughter-in-law and many of her grandchildren. She was the daughter of William Lewis Kochler and Mary Trovel Kochler. Brother William "Bill" and Anne, his wife, have preceded her in death. Sister Jean and husband Joe Threston are celebrating their 65th anniversary this month.

Jo-an was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Haddonfield NJ. She graduated from the Trenton State Teachers College (now the College of New Jersey) and spent her early years as a teacher in Margate, New Jersey - home of Lucy the Elephant library building. Her favorite grade that she taught for many years was kindergarten.

Jo-an and George Lee Peabody III were married in February 1961 during a historic blizzard in New Jersey. Jo-an's family home replaced the wedding venue and their close friends still managed to attend. George and Jo-an raised a family in College Park, Maryland. George preceded Jo-an in death in 1980.

Jo-an had three wonderful children with George III, son George the IV is married to Mary Pat, son Thomas is married to Sarah, and daughter Elizabeth married to Andrew Staas. Jo-an relocated to Hampton, Virginia in 1981 where she resided until 2013. She enjoyed the waterfront community and was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She also was a member of Hampton Yacht Club for many years. Jo-an enjoyed serving as a docent at the Mariners Museum for many years as well as serving on the President's Council at The College of William and Mary.

Jo-an has eight grandchildren through her three children she shared with George Lee Peabody III that she was enormously proud of, George Lee (Quint) Peabody V, Frances Xavier (Rory) Peabody, William Padraic (Liam) Peabody, Andrew David Peabody, William Thomas Peabody, Katherine Elizabeth (Katie) Peabody, Olivia Hayes Staas and Charlotte Grace Staas. She also was blessed with two great granddaughters via her Peabody children; Elliana Rayne Peabody and Odette Marie Peabody. Quint is married to Michelle Olson, Liam is married to Dr. Emily Larkin, and Andrew was recently engaged to Kendall Leigh Schneider.

In a second marriage to Kenneth Louis Alexander (Rusty), deceased 2009, that occurred in November of 1988, Jo-an had many great years and adventures, especially enjoying the family beach house in Southern Shores, NC. Jo-an and Rusty enjoyed extensive travel to many countries and across the US visiting friends while making new ones over many years. Rusty brought with him to the blended family his daughters from his prior marriage Susan Alexander Andrews and Joan Alexander Engle, as well as five grandchildren, Coley (married to Jana), Alexa, Abigail (married to Dillon), Caroline, Hannah (married to David), and seven great grandchildren Walker, Taylor, Lawson, Joya, Brooke, Varra, and Ava.

Of particular remembrance is Jo-an's faithful friend dear Maggie, a lab and Irish setter mix who joined the family shortly after George's death to provide support and companionship as they grieved.

Jo-an's close friends and neighbors Lee (deceased 2025) and Janice Moore provided friendship and support over many years. Lee and Janice were loving friends assisting Jo-an and Rusty as they aged in their home in Hampton, Virginia. The friendship was very strong and enjoyed by both families and all of their children and grandchildren.

Jo-an had many many happy years with her friends in the Cedarfield community in Richmond, Virginia. Some of her favorite activities involved Mahjong and sorting flower arrangements for the Cedarfield community areas.

A Service and Celebration of Life is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 3:00PM to be held at The Cedarfield Fellowship Hall located at 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Richmond, VA 23233. Memorial Donations can be directed to The Cedarfield Resident Association – Team Member Gift c/o Cedarfield, 2300 Cedarfield Parkway, Richmond, VA 23233.