Service Details
A celebration of Penny’s life will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019, 5:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Visitation will be from 3:30pm until the time of the service.
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Millicent Julia James, known to all as Penny, 76, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Oak Ridge Care Center in Union Grove. She was born in Racine on November 14, 1943, daughter of the late Lloyd and Violet (Née: Eliason) Peterson.
Penny graduated from Park High school in 1961 and continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in Physical Education. She was an accomplished violin player and played with the Racine Symphony. Penny loved her position as the director of Aquatics and swim instructor at the YWCA. She had a true zest for life and a love of frosting roses.
Penny leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Tracie (Dan) Frost of Union Grove, Michael (Cynthia) James of Racine; four grandchildren, Zachary and Anna James of Racine, Danielle (Shon Gentry) Frost, Chloe (Josephine Palonis) Frost of Racine; great grandchild, Cairo Gentry; sister, Joyce Beachler of Canonsburg, PA; long-time partner, Jeffrey Hansen; other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Penny is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, John “Jock” Beachler.
A celebration of Penny’s life will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019, 5:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Visitation will be from 3:30pm until the time of the service.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to the staff at Oak Ridge Care Center in Union Grove as well as the staff at Aurora at Home for the care given to Penny and her family at this difficult time.
Tina says
I am so sorry for your loss. Penny was one of my favorite people from the Woods of Caledonia. I went back to visit her after I left. She was so funny and fun to be around.
Tracie and Dan says
We have continuously been hearing stories of how your loving heart and zest for life have touched so many. Thank you to all, as this is a huge loss to our family. Mom, you are loved and will never be forgotten.
Cathy McDowell says
I was Penny’s roommate at the woods of Caledonia. There was never a bad day with Penny around. Her personality was so sweet! She always would warm my heart with the laughter she would create. Never a dull moment, with Penny around. Yup I will miss you my dear friend.
Your in a better place now. Pain free and I’m sure your dancing with the Angels and of course creating much happiness and laughter to all! 😘
Andrea Scott says
After reading some of the entries it is clear Penny spread hoots and peels of laughter everywhere she went. I knew Penny and Jeff first from all the years they attended the Friday night Racine International Folk Dancing group. I met up with her again in her later year at Oak Ridge Care Center. She again had everyone in stitches all the time. She was much loved even by those who knew her only briefly. Her sense of humor was infectious and she put smiles on the faces of staff and residents alike.
Cathy McDowell, she would speak of you often how. I’m sure she missed you. Likewise, Penny will be sorely missed by all of us at Oak Ridge.
Jackand Maryann McCormick says
My thoughts and prayers for your family.
Sandy Nielsen says
My sincere thoughts to the family of Penny James. Penny and I were good friends in Junior and Senior High. We were life guards at Washington Park pool and had many many great times in our childhood. One especially while boating and skiing in Lake Michigan with her aunt and uncle. We overturned and the Coast Guard was called out but we all had life jackets on. ❤️
Cindy Markus Painter says
Tracie and Dan, I am so sorry for your loss! Remember all the good memories and know that she will now be an angel watching over you! My thoughts are with you always!
Love your cousin Cindy
Laura Coulthard says
I am so sorry for your loss Tracie. I remember her always being the “cool mom” when we were in high school! I hope your memories and the love of your family help you thru this difficult time. You are in my thoughts.
Lisa Stelmack Helland says
Penny was aquatics director when I worked at YWCA for like 10 years. (’87-’97)
We instructed many classes together. I admired her ability to teach all ages and adopted many of my techniques from Penny. When I think back to my fun days at the YW, Penny is always the first I remember working with. My favorite response from Penny is when someone would ask if she ever goes to the bottom of the deep end of the pool, “I go down to the bottom of the deep end for only two things; swimmers and DIAMONDS!” That was Penny always full of life!
May all the wonderful memories help comfort you.
My thoughts and prayers.
Sandy and Wayne Kavaliauskas says
It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Penny but when we did it was always an uplifting time. She always had humor. We will remember her.