"Penny" Dorothy Margaret Burnett

Dorothy Margaret "Penny" Burnett passed away peacefully from this life at home in her sleep on January 1, 2026. Born in Lodi, New Jersey on March 24,1929 to Anthony and Mary Ferrara, she was known to many as "Penny." This was her stage name which she decided to continue to use after her career in entertainment. She grew up very close to her very Italian family, especially her brother Gene and their cousin Elanor. Penny was a talented singer and dancer and honed her singing talents in high school by taking the train into New York City for lessons at dance and voice studios.

After high school Penny moved to Chicago and performed solo as "Penny Conrad," singing in small clubs in the Midwest. She formed a band in Denver for an extended performance in Denver. She was asked to be the lead singer for Clyde McCoy's Big Band, and they toured all over the western United States for three years.

Penny decided to settle in Denver around 1958, having been drawn to the bustling city and the nearby mountains. She taught dance lessons at Aruthur Murray Studios in Denver and bought a house in Arvada, Colorado. While teaching dance, she met her first husband Michael O'Brien. They brought Kathleen and Michael into their family before divorcing in 1970. She later opened a dance studio in her home, where she met and became acquainted with James Burnett. They were married on January 24, 1972, expanding their family to include Jim's children Mary, Matthew, and Kirk.

During these years, her best friend, Barbara, introduced her to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she found faith and fellowship. She and Barbara remained best friends throughout their lives, always telling people they were like sisters.

Penny was a talented businesswoman and loved people. She always stayed busy teaching dance classes, selling Tupperware and Vanda Cosmetics. She eventually opened a retail store selling dancewear, then costumes, and eventually a bridal boutique, from which she retired in 2013.

Penny and Jim were always on the move and shared many travel adventures throughout the United States and abroad. In their later years, they particularly loved to travel in their 5th wheel, often camping with their children in Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and California. They especially loved spending time in the Colorado Rockies, always returning with great stories to share.

Penny is survived by her five children, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents (Anthony and Mary Ferrera), her husband of nearly 50 years (Jim Burnett), her brother (Eugene Ferrara), and her lifelong best friend (Barbara Behunin).

Penny adored her friends, neighbors, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And all of us loved her. We will miss her, but know she is with her family, and we will see her again.