Mary Ann Panko (Pakarinen)

GLADSTONE — Mary Ann Panko (Pakarinen), 81, of Gladstone, Mich., passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Bishop Noah Home in Escanaba after a long illness.

The oldest daughter of five children, Mary Ann was born on November 3, 1943 in Escanaba to Raymond and Doris Pakarinen (Nygaard). She graduated from Escanaba Senior High School in 1962. During her senior year she was crowned Homecoming Queen after overcoming tuberculosis during her junior year. She was grateful for Mr. Baltic who helped keep her up with her studies while she was sick so she could graduate with her class. In 1966, she graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s in teaching and spent the next 32 years teaching elementary school in several locations, first in Wisconsin and then in Florida.

During Mary Ann’s career, she was recognized as an outstanding teacher and was named teacher of the year. One special memory includes how she learned sign language to communicate directly with one of her students and also taught it to her class to better integrate that student into the classroom.

On June 17, 1967, Mary Ann married the love of her life, John Panko, to whom she was married for nearly 58 years. Over the course of their lives together, they spent many miles traveling and visiting family and friends while also enjoying card games and table games filled with laughter.

One of her favorite memories is her beloved cottage in Land O’ Lakes, Wis. For forty-five years, Mary Ann loved entertaining visitors there while also appreciating a quiet cup of coffee and a cribbage game or a good book. Family and friends will recall her skills as a chef and baker; a few of her favorite recipes included blueberry muffins, sticky buns, and scalloped potatoes with ham.

Take a moment to go blueberry picking or fill a vase with some roadsideia flowers, remember to enjoy the little things, and appreciate the view.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, John; her sisters, Julie Lang, Faye Norby, Debra (Les) Stock; a niece and nephews, and other extended family. Preceding her in death are her parents; her brother, David Pakarinen and his wife, Paula (Gafner); and her brothers-in-law Jim Lang, Richard Norby, Ernie and David Panko.

At Mary Ann’s request there will not be a funeral. She will be cremated and interred privately with family.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please donate to a charity of your choice or Boy Scout Troop 466 of Gladstone, Mich.

To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com