Penelope Irene Bellin

Penelope Irene Bellin, age 81, was born to eternal life on December 9, 2025. She was the cherished only child of George and Marvel Alex and grew up on the northwest side of Milwaukee.

Even as a young girl, Penny exhibited the courage that would define her life—at age eleven, she walked to a Milwaukee Braves player’s home to request an autograph, which she proudly received.

Penny was a 1962 graduate of Washington High School, where she was active in drama and glee club, was elected prom queen, and was voted “Most Likely to Meet the President.” She was a member of the National Honor Society and met the governor of Hawaii after her drill team won the National Drill Team competition. She later trained as a model before choosing a different path, graduating from Marquette University in 1964 as a dental hygienist.

Shortly after, Penny married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Bellin. The couple shared more than 60 years of unwavering devotion and raised four sons together. In 1982, Penny suffered a massive stroke that left her comatose for two weeks. Despite being given a 20% chance of survival and being told she would never walk or drive again, Penny defied every prediction. She relearned to walk, passed her driver’s test a second time, and continued to live a full and determined life. The stroke left her with permanent aphasia, yet she remained able to communicate with clarity and warmth, often replying “Just wonderful” when asked how she was doing.

Penny was admired for her resilience, patience, and constant smile. A talented watercolor artist, she sold her work locally and found joy in the interplay of color and paper. She was deeply devoted to her family and faith, embodying loyalty, generosity, and kindness to all she met. She loved traveling, meeting new people, sharing meals with family and friends, and simply enjoying the everyday moments of life.

Penny will be missed immensely. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert. She is survived by her four sons, Robert Jr. (Stephanie), William (Jessica), Paul (Refiloe), and Michael (Alicia); nine grandchildren—Lauren, Jake, Caden, Owen, Tenzin, Nathaniel, Kelello, Leruo, and Zane; and one great-grandchild, Brooks.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church in Hartland, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, Wisconsin at 12:00 PM with a Visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donna Lexa Art Center, the ASPCA, St. Jude’s, or Shriner’s.