Penney Jean Burke, age 74, of Chemung (Harvard), Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

Penney was born on May 4, 1952, in Dixon, Illinois, the daughter of Steve and H. Virginia (Schmidt) Jablonsky. Throughout her life, Penney was known for her kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering sense of responsibility. She was someone who could be counted on, always willing to lend a helping hand and make those around her feel cared for. Her warmth, humor, and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Penney spent much of her professional career working in manufacturing alongside her son, retiring from Cotta Transmission Company as a human resources assistant in 2017. She took pride in her work and in the responsibilities entrusted to her.

Retirement brought Penney the opportunity to embrace the spring and summer months at her second home at In The Pines campground in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, alongside her beloved husband, John. What began as a place to enjoy the seasons became a cherished home and community filled with friendships, laughter, and countless memories. Penney worked at In The Pines for many years, continuing to lend a hand wherever she was needed. Whether helping in the office, keeping the campground clean and welcoming, or sharing her many creative talents, she was always ready to pitch in. Her kindness and willingness to help made her an indispensable part of the campground family.

A gifted crafter, Penney especially loved creating with her Cricut machine and making beautiful handmade signs and greeting cards. She created the numbered signs for the campground's campsites, along with many other signs that added a personal touch throughout the property. She and John also designed and created the signs for the campground's Memorial Garden, leaving behind a meaningful and lasting contribution to a place so dear to them. Her handmade Christmas cards were another cherished tradition, each one a thoughtful reminder that she was thinking of the people she cared about, even during the winter months away from the campground.

Above all, Penney treasured her family. She was a devoted mother who raised her children with love and a strong sense of responsibility. She took great pride in her family and cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her love extended beyond her immediate family, embracing her stepchildren, grandchildren, and the many people who became family through the relationships she built throughout her life.

Penney endured the heartbreaking loss of her beloved daughter, Ami (Wells) Vautsmeier, on July 2, 2025, following a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Through this profound loss, Penney demonstrated remarkable strength. Her family and friends take comfort in imagining the two of them reunited.

Penney shared a special bond with John through their many adventures together, including ocean cruises and other trips across this great nation. Their summers in Wisconsin, the friendships they built at In The Pines, and the life they shared together were among the many treasured chapters of her life.

Sports provided another source of fun and good-natured rivalry in Penney's household. An avid Green Bay Packers fan (like her father), she remained loyal to her team despite John's allegiance to the Chicago Bears. She was also a devoted Chicago Cubs fan (like her father), and her enthusiasm for her teams was part of the personality her family knew and loved.

Penney will be remembered for her gentle nature, generous heart, creative spirit, and the countless ways she made life a little brighter for others. She never needed recognition for what she did; helping people was simply who she was. Whether through a thoughtful handmade card, a beautifully crafted sign, a helping hand, or a perfectly timed sassy remark, Penney had a way of making people feel special. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the friendships she nurtured, and the many tangible reminders of her creativity and kindness.

Penney is survived by her loving husband, John Burke; her son, Todd Wells, and his wife, Amber; her son-in-law, Dave Vautsmeier, husband of her late daughter, Ami; her stepsons, Steve Burke and his wife, Tina, and Keith Burke and his wife, Angela; her sister, Jill (Jablonsky) Grindle; her grandchildren, Sage Adcock and his wife, Dani; Brody Wells; Chris Avila-Burke; Jordan Burke; Jake Burden; Hannah Bruecker; Addalyn Burke; and Julia Burke; her great-granddaughter, Avery Adcock; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Ami (Wells) Vautsmeier; her brother, Tim Jablonsky; her parents, Steve and H. Virginia (Schmidt) Jablonsky; and her late husband, Bill Blackburn.

Though Penney's passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the beauty she created will endure. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.