Obituary of Mary Panaway

Mary Panaway passed away on Tuesday June 2 in Austin Texas. She was born in Wilkes-Barre on Christmas day 1927 to Andrew and Mary Kozel, married Anthony B. Panaway on November 11, 1949, had three daughters: Lynn Panaway, Ann Lieb, and Virginia Swink, and four grandsons: Andrew Taylor, Winston Taylor, Jack Swink, and Anthony Swink. Her parents, Husband, Lynn, Ann, and Winston preceded her in death. Mary grew up in the Heights on top of the grocery store owned by her Father in a home filled with love and laughter. She graduated from James M Coughlin High School and College Misericordia, where she was the captain of the debate team. It was thru debate that she met and fell love with the Anthony Panaway. Mary and Tony eloped during his senior year in college. They spent a short period in Washington D.C. while Tony attended law school and Mary gave birth to their first daughter, Lynn. Mary and Tony moved back to the valley and settled in Hudson, during which time they welcomed two more daughters; Ann and Virginia. In 1985 the family moved to Dallas, and in 2011 Mary moved to Austin Texas after Anthony's passing. Mary was a giving person, loved to travel, was surrounded by friends, and was never short of stories or opinions. She would often recount great details of her journeys to far off places like Egypt, Europe, Russia, China, and Africa. Mary enjoyed fashion and was always smartly dressed. She loved to read and volunteered as a member of the Back Mountain Memorial Library Book Selection club for many years. Mary followed local and national politics. While she worked in the kitchen she would play big band music and dance. Mary made friends easily and never met a stranger. She had a positive impact on people's lives. Her selfless nature, outgoing personality, intelligence and sincere interest in others made her a joy to be around. Mary will be long remembered for her dedication to her family, quick wit and informed opinion, Mary's passing leaves a void in the lives of her daughter, Virginia, Grandson Andrew, Son-in-law Brian, Grandsons Jack and Anthony. She was truly a gift to her family and will be missed each day. Mass of Christian burial for Mary will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas. Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Daniel Toomey. Friends and family may call at the church from 9:30 am to time of service. Entombment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to the Back Mountain Memorial Library (http://backmountainlibrary.org/). Arrangements by the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.