Kathleen A. Panek

Kathleen “Kay” Ann (Koenig) Panek, 84, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, with her family by her side. Kay was born on October 2, 1941, raised in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and graduated from Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart. Kay married Daniel “Dan” Panek, Jr. in 1966 in Cleveland. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2016. Kay enjoyed gardening, hosting family gatherings, and visiting new places throughout the U.S. Yet her favorite thing was being at home in Hartsgrove surrounded by children of all ages enjoying lively fun. Family and friends, new and old, loved her company and conversation. Naturally curious, an amazing listener, and deeply interested in others, Kay could talk with anyone and make them feel heard. Her greatest gift was being a thoughtful caretaker and confidant – as a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, co-worker, and school bus driver. For thirty-three years, “Mrs. P.” transported Grand Valley students to and from school and special events. Her fondest memories were driving the marching band to away football games. Having covered an estimated 700,000 miles throughout her driving career, Kay knew the roads of southwestern Ashtabula County like the back of her hand. But her kindness and lasting impact on young people were immeasurable. Even before starting a family of her own, Kay served others through her work at Huron Road Hospital and Cleveland State Hospital. Her earliest jobs included professional gift wrapping at Higbee’s on Public Square – a fitting lifelong skill for someone who always found ways to make people feel treasured. Kay is survived by her children Jennifer Skowronski of Willoughby, Ohio, Jackie Brown (Scott Brown) of Chardon, Ohio, Cherie Panek (Matthew Hartman) of Portland, Oregon, and Roger Clark (Sarah Derico) of Bergen County, New Jersey; her grandchildren Ryan, Mackenzie, Kaitlyn, Ava, and Savina Kay; and her brother Gary Koenig (Sonja). Kay was preceded in death by her husband Daniel, her father Eugene “Popeye” Koenig, her mother Rita Ann Fertal, and her brothers David, Donald “Tiny,” Ricky, and Larry. 

Family, friends, and neighbors are invited to a celebration of Kay’s life on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary Hall at 103 N. Maple Street, Orwell, Ohio. Immediate family will greet visitors until 3:30 p.m. when all will be invited to share a word or favorite memory. In Kay’s honor, attendees are encouraged to wear shirts with a fun saying or silly phrase. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Mustang Stable c/o Grand Valley Local Schools at 111 Grand Valley Ave., Orwell, Ohio 44076, or to Reserve Care at P.O. Box 72700, Cleveland, Ohio 44192.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.