Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Precious Memories



Anna Ilene Panici, beloved wife, loving mother, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, our “Gigi” had her faith become sight as she entered the arms of her Savior on December 23, 2010. She came into this world on May 28, 1924 as the precious daughter of Earl Tison and Rachael Sweezey Tison in Jackson, Michigan.

She spent her childhood in Jackson until she joined the Navy as a WAVE during WWII and was stationed at Norfolk Naval Air Station in Virginia. She was assigned the duty of driving visiting dignitaries and had the distinct privilege of driving Admiral “Bull” Halsey. She would always tell you that the biggest highlight of her naval “career” was meeting the love of her life, Edmond, at Norfolk. After meeting in January 1946 and having only 2 dates, they were married on April 14, 1946. Their life together included living in a few different places but the bulk of the years were spent in Laverne, Ca; Anchorage, AK; and finally Bellingham and Lynden, WA. After retirement, they traveled many years in their 5th wheel and together experienced all 50 states in the Union. Ilene was an amazing cook and spent countless hours loving others through hospitality. They lived a devoted 64 years together until she went home to be with the Lord. Their marriage was a shining example to many. She is deeply missed, but our hearts rejoice and are comforted knowing she is with her Lord and Savior.

She was preceded in death by her brother Earl Tison and her step-brother Carl Huntoon. Ilene is survived by her husband Edmond, her two sons, Rick (Lura) Panici of Yerington, Nevada; Ken Panici of Kalama, Washington and her daughter Jo Anne (Mitch) Alden also of Kalama, Washington. She is also survived by her granddaughter Chessa (Chad) Honey of Lynden and their children Mitchell, Isabelle, William, Shelley and JD, who have taken loving care of their Gigi and Papa for the last 11 years. She is also survived by grandson’s Sam Panici of Okanawa, Japan; Nick Panici of Houston, Texas and Michael (Mackenzie) Panici and their children of Victorville, California.

In honor of Ilene, memorials may be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators  (http://www.wycliffe.org/),
the Lighthouse Mission or Whatcom Hospice. You may share your thoughts and memories of Ilene at www.GoodStewardFunerals.org. Arrangements are by Moles Good Steward Funerals- Lynden.




17 comments:

  1. Wow...She was a beautiful woman her entire life! Her face radiates such sweetness and love for the Lord <3

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  2. Yesterday's service was so Christ-honoring; reminding us of the gift of salvation and how it profits the lives of those who choose it. What a sweet tribute to your precious Gigi.

    During the slideshow Steve turned to me and said "Chessa looks just like her" at the same time I leaned over to him and said "Wow! I see Isabelle in her"!! Generations of beautiful women, inside and out!

    Love you friend,
    Sara

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  3. Thank you sweet ladies for your always encouraging words.
    Love to you both....Chessa

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  4. Chessa, that was just beautiful!! All glory to God!

    Love ya!
    Marla

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  5. What a beautiful story of a beautiful life. Andrew and I were SO disappointed to be out of town for the memorial service. I have been praying for your family, I know this is a very difficult loss even though you are so happy for Gigi! We love your family. <3

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  6. A loving and caring Grandmother for whom will shall all miss greatly. Her memory will live on through all of us. I love and miss you Grandma Ilene.
    Samuel Panici

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  7. We send love/prayers/condolences to all of you. Losing a loved one is always difficult. Know they were saved takes the sting out of it. We will continue to pray for you in the days ahead. Love/love from us to you.....

    Wally & Bobbie Loder

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  8. Our Beloved Sister-in-law. Ken & Patti Panici

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  9. JoAnn and family I am so sorry for your loss. I know Gigi was suffering so and that is no longer her battle is over, she is home with the Heavenly Father and all is good and you will see her again. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Bernice Powell

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  10. As a kid, I looked forward to Uncle Ed and Aunt Ilene's visits to Bakersfield. They told such wonderful stories of their travels. RIP
    Amy Panici

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  11. We are saddened at the home going of our friend, but rejoice in knowing that she is with the Lord. Knowing that she spent Christmas Day with the REASON for the season is exciting. What a privelege and honor was ours to be able to call Ilene Panici friend. She was a blessing and her memory will serve to remind us of how our Saviour wants us to love each other. God Bless our dear Brother Ed and family of "Gigi"
    Chris and Karlene Warden

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  12. Deepest sympathy to all. I have many memories as a child visiting in S. CA. & Yerington, NV for family gatherings and stories of their travels. John and Delia Panici Las Vegas, NV

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  13. Dear Ed and Family: I just read of Ilene's homegoing and wanted to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. I have many memories of Ilene and you and all of the family and am saddened by her death, but praising our Heavenly Father with you that she is safely at Home with Him. God bless and keep you in His loving arms as you go through this time of sorrow. Your forever friend, Agnes Cliffe

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  14. I remember meeting Ed and Ilene when we first moved to California in 1958. They had been friends of my Aunt and Uncle in Michigan, and though we had never met them, they "adopted" us as family right away. Our homes were only a few miles apart and we got together quite often. I always thought of Ilene as a very "classy" lady with a great smile. I'm sure that smile is brightening the streets of Heaven!
    Debby (Cliffe) Carter

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  15. We met Ilene and Ed in 1977 when they rented from us at Prefered Trailer Park in Anchorage, Alaska. We became friends with them and met Jo Anne and Chessa. Mike worked with Ed at Prudoe Bay for a long time. Our thoughts and prayers go to Ed and the family. We lost our only grandson, Jake, on 12/02/10 in an weight lifting accident. We are so heartbroken. Such a wonderful young man. He was Gary's 16 year old son. Remember Gary mowed and removed snow. He took Chessa "Trick or Treating". Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
    Mike and Ila Hamblin

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  16. We pray for her Family
    ken & Patti Panici

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