Penelope "Penny" J. Haras

Penelope Jean Haras “Penny,” 80 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, died peacefully on September 29, 2023 surrounded by family in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Penny was born in Naperville, Illinois on October 29, 1942 to the late Donald F. Cooper and the late Virginia Kramer Cooper. Penny met her longtime partner William David Erwin “Dave” in Chicago. They were devoted to one another and shared a good life for 25+ years. They enjoyed dining out, cooking together, and spending time with their extended families, children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews. Penny, matriarch of her family, is survived by her children Pamela Jostock Jandura (the late Brad Bernett), David Jostock, and Mary Jostock Claps; and her grandchildren, Molly Jostock (fiancé Cody Wilson), Emily Jandura, Marian Jostock, and Benjamin Claps. She is also survived by her brother Donald Cooper (Cortina Mendoza) and sister Deborah Ferguson Cooper (the late Charles Stanley Ferguson, Sr.). Penny was a loving aunt to Heather Ferguson Vittore (Ross; children Lucas and Shaun), Charles Stanley Ferguson, Jr. (Abby; children Ella and Anna), and Jennifer Cooper. She will also be missed by Dave’s mother, Kay Erwin (the late William A. Erwin), and Dave’s brother Michael Erwin (Jean) and their daughter Samantha. Penny cherished being a grandparent. She loved to attend the kids’ musical performances, concerts, sporting events, graduations, and birthday parties. Penny loved Christmas and treasured this time of year. She always made Christmas special with her delicious cooking and thoughtful gifts. She never failed to remember a birthday with a card, flowers, or a gift or to celebrate the accomplishments of the children in her life. These family times meant everything to her. Her daily phone calls with her younger daughter, Mary, will be missed. Penny was a foster mother to 18 babies and children during the 70’s. She adored babies and children and was always a fierce advocate for them. Peny also had a soft spot for animals. She and her dog, Sadie, were inseparable. As a life-long Guardian of the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), she treated every animal and all family pets like valued family members. As a CNA, Penny loved her job at Misericordia. In her work, Penny was passionate about providing care and support for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Always an advocate for the dignity of every person, she worked very hard for the residents, whom she loved. Penny loved a well-appointed home and always decorated her home beautifully. With meticulous planning and the help of family, Penny moved to Fond du Lac with Dave to a new home, hoping to regain health and build a fresh life. She lived there for only the last month of her life. Everyone who knew Penny enjoyed her feisty sense of humor and her ability to make them feel special. She took great interest in everything going on in the lives of her family. Everyone has a favorite “Penny” story. She was known to say, “If it doesn’t make sense, it’s nonsense,” in applicable moments. A memorial service for Penny will be held at a later date in the Chicago area. Her family will communicate information about the memorial when the plans have been finalized. Donations in memory of Penelope Jean Haras can be made to the ASPCA. https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial

Penelope "Penny" J. Haras

October 29, 1942 - September 29, 2023