Penny Kosick Hanks of Watervliet passed away on September 4 after receiving hospice care.

A proud graduate of St. John Catholic School in Benton Harbor, Penny continued her education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned a Master of Science in Librarianship from Western Michigan University.

Penny dedicated her life to serving others through education and social work. She worked as a social worker in Omaha; taught at St. Malachy’s in Chicago and Morton School in Benton Harbor; and spent 39 years as a teacher and librarian in the Coloma Schools. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. She served on the negotiating team for the Coloma Education Association, spent eight years on the Watervliet School Board, and was an active member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.

Her faith guided her daily life. As a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet, Penny served as a Eucharistic minister and brought Communion to those unable to attend Mass. She also volunteered at the Krasl Art Center and Silver Beach Carousel and served as the coordinator of the Four Flags 4-H Club.

Penny treasured her Monday evening golf league at Paw Paw Lake Golf Course and her Tuesday mornings at McDonald’s with retired teachers. She also believed in the healing power of blueberry muffins.

Penny was born on October 7, 1941, to Margaret Marie Grisch Kosick and William John Kosick in Aurora, Illinois. She is survived by her daughter Shannon (Kevin) Madden and her son Frank (Melissa) Hanks III; her grandchildren, Sydney, Ella, Henry, and Caroline Madden and Matthew, Mason, and Jacob Hanks; her brother, Peter (Judy) Kosick; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John Kosick.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Benton Harbor. Following Mass, guests may join the family at the burial site at Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor. A luncheon is to follow at Papa Vino’s, St. Joseph. Those attending the services are encouraged to wear “happy colors.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berrien County Youth Fair.