Jean Plessett: 2/4/1929- 8/6/2026

Jean Plessett passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on August 6th at the age of 97. Born on February 4, 1929, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Jean was the youngest child of Samuel and Elsie Robinson. After her father passed away when Jean was a teenager, she was lovingly raised by her devoted and hardworking mother, Elsie. Jean was predeceased by her older brother, Charles Robinson, and her beloved sister, Miriam "Mimi" Kroungold, with whom she shared an especially close and lifelong bond.

Jean graduated from Temple University with a degree in early childhood education. Shortly afterward, she met the love of her life, David Plessett, on a blind date at Harvey's Lake arranged by friends Sheldon and Debbie Mermelstein. It was the beginning of a remarkable love story that would span nearly 75 years. They were married in Philadelphia in 1952, and from the very beginning Jean stood beside David, supporting him through dental school before they settled in York, Pennsylvania, where he established his dental practice.

Together they built a beautiful life and family. Their son Alex was born in 1958, followed by daughter Janie in 1961. While raising two young children, Jean once again supported David as he returned to the University of Pennsylvania for advanced periodontal training. During that time the family moved to Philadelphia, where their youngest son, Robert, was born in 1963. After David completed his training, they returned to York and made their home on Hillock Lane, where they would spend more than fifty wonderful years creating countless family memories.

Jean devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and community. She raised three children, taught preschool, managed the bookkeeping for David's dental practice, and somehow kept a busy household running with grace and love. She became an active and cherished member of York's Jewish community, developing lifelong friendships that enriched her life. In the late 1970s, after two of her children had gone off to college, Jean embraced a new adventure by opening a successful second-hand clothing store in Harrisburg.

To know Jean was to love her. She possessed a rare combination of kindness, compassion, and quiet strength. She accepted people exactly as they were, never judging, yet she never hesitated to stand up for those who were vulnerable or treated unfairly. Her deep sense of justice was matched only by her enormous heart.

Jean's home was the heart of her family. For more than forty years, she joyfully hosted Thanksgiving dinners, Passover Seders, High Holiday celebrations, birthdays, and countless family gatherings. Everyone who walked through her door felt welcomed, cared for, and loved. Her warmth, generosity, infectious spirit, and wonderful sense of humor created memories that will be treasured for generations.

Jean embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved traveling the world with David, tending her garden, biking, skiing, tennis, dancing, spending time outdoors, and simply being surrounded by family and friends. Her greatest joy, however, was her family.

She adored each of her seven grandchildren and took great pride in the unique relationship she shared with every one of them. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 75 years, David; her children, Alex and Linda Plessett, Janie and Steve Atlas, and Bob Plessett and Katherine Kaufman; and her cherished grandchildren, Sam Plessett, Nick Plessett, Julian Plessett, Allison Plessett, Eric Plessett, Jason Atlas, and Jenna Atlas.

Jean's legacy is one of unconditional love, generosity, resilience, and acceptance. She taught by example that kindness is one of life's greatest gifts and that family is life's greatest blessing. Her gentle spirit, unwavering compassion, and ability to make everyone feel valued will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.4

Services will be at 2PM on Sunday, August 9th at:

Beth Chaim Reform Congregation 389 Conestoga Rd. Malvern, PA 19355

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Atlas home immediately after the service with Shiva to follow at 6 PM Sunday.

Shiva will continue at the home of Alex and Linda Plessett at 6PM on Monday.

Contributions may be made in Jean’s name to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Lev LaLev – providing support to orphaned, neglected and abandoned children throughout Israel or to a charity of the donor's choice.