Yvonne "Penny" Denoyer

Yvonne “Penny” Denoyer, age 82, of Kankakee passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by her family after stoically battling cancer for 47 years. She was born on December 12, 1940, in Kankakee, the daughter of Nick and Alberta (LaRoche) Gineris. Penny spent most of her life in her beloved hometown of Kankakee where she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Denoyer, and was a “proud member” of the Kankakee High School Class of 1958. Penny was a devoted mother to five children and a loyal friend that was adored and admired by all who knew her. Penny spent most of her professional career as a payroll specialist for the City of Kankakee before retiring after 22 years of service. Prior to that, she worked for Kankakee District 111 Westview High School where she met a group of women that became lifelong friends. She enjoyed playing bridge, cooking, traveling, reading, fashion and LIFE. Penny was full of grace and welcomed everyone into her home and treated all those who entered as family. She was the center of celebrations and had a wonderful sense of humor, an infectious smile and laugh. Penny was a revered member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kankakee serving on their council as treasurer and organizing the annual Greek Picnic. Above all, her perseverance and commitment to her family, friends, traditions and heritage were the hallmarks of her being and now become the legacy she leaves for those she loved to carry on. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Derek (Melissa) Denoyer of Manteno, Drew (Stephanie) Denoyer of Dallas, TX; three daughters and one son-in-law, Daphne (Steve) LaGesse of Bradley, Desirée Denoyer of New Buffalo, MI, Dominique Denoyer of Kankakee; one brother and sister-in-law, Louis “Scrap” (Janice) Gineris; ten grandchildren, Colby, Drake, Derien, Mitchell, Calynn, Corbin, Danae, Dylanie, Dawson, Nikolai; eight great grandchildren; and special companion, Robert “Bob” Helgeson of Bradley. Penny is preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, Kankakee. A Trisagion service will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Kankakee. Father Nick Greanias will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Mound Grove Gardens, Kankakee. Memorials can be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or Gayle’s Rescue, Kankakee. Lastly, true to her gracious and unselfish nature, Penny simply wanted to say to those she loved and all those who loved her: “Thank you for being my friend.”

Yvonne "Penny" Denoyer

December 12, 1940 - July 11, 2023