Marie Cecelia Panos
Marie Panos (1936-2026) Marie Cecelia Panos (Snyder), 89, formerly of Little Turkey but residing in Jackson Junction, Iowa, passed away at her home, surrounded by the ones she loved, on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born in Calmar, Iowa, on April 9, 1936, to Joseph J. Snyder and Mary A. Snyder (Frana). Marie graduated from eighth grade in Spillville, Iowa, in 1949, and later graduated from Calmar High School (now South Winn) in 1953. Marie Panos met the love of her life, Alden Panos, and agreed to marry him after he asked for her hand for three and a half years, before he was given his military placement. They married on June 10, 1957, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa. Marie and Alden couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. They were blessed with four boys and one girl: Steve, Tony, Margaret, Glenn, and Keith. Marie and Alden worked hard as they resided near Little Turkey while the kids grew up. They had a farm with animals and gardens that they worked hard to care for. As the children grew older, she worked for a variety of companies and retired from Turkey Valley Community School in 1999 after ser...[more]View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
ing as a custodian there for 10 years. She enjoyed her time there because she was able to keep an eye on a few of the grandchildren and spend time with her close friends. Marie spent her retirement years crocheting and going on trips with Alden, either in a Hawkeye Stages bus or driving themselves all over the U.S. (making it to every single state except Hawaii). Marie’s favorite name to be called was Grandma. She treasured her time with her grandchildren, never failing to make sure they knew that they were loved. She enjoyed her time with all of the grandchildren, taking them together on camping and fishing trips. She made sure the grandchildren had their fishing poles and bikes. Marie was the one who could bring in all of the Blue Gills and outfish the rest of the grandchildren. She enjoyed her time up at Balsam Lake. Marie had the grandchildren take turns decorating the house for Christmas with her. She instilled her love of Elvis Presley and George Strait as they grew up. She shared her enjoyment of cartoons featuring Tom and Jerry, Sylvester, and Tweety. Marie made sure their home was welcoming for after-school hang-outs. If you went over to their home on the right night and at the right time, you were watching the Big Joe Polka Show. She loved to teach her grandchildren how to cook and bake her specialities: Chicken Noodle Soup (homemade, of course), Apple Pie with raisins (grandpa’s favorite), and Dumplings and sauerkraut. She never went a day without her cup of coffee, and she always had her secret stash of candy behind her rocking chair. She continued to share her love of flowers, angels, and birds, especially Cardinals. Marie was such a caring and soft soul. Her heartfelt hugs were where you could truly feel her love. Years later, Marie became a wonderful great-grandma to some very special great-grandchildren. It was not up to the parents of what the great-grandchildren could have. “They can have another piece of chocolate, it’s okay.” “Let them, they are just fine.” They looked forward to the moments of seeing Great-Grandma Marie. Marie also had a very special spot in her heart for her pets. Buddy will miss his cuddles behind her in the recliner. Marie will be remembered for her love and soft heart, and for always being ‘there’ for others when they needed to talk. The family couldn’t ask for a better wife, mom, grandma, or great-grandma. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Marie was preceded in death by her sons, Glenn Panos and Keith Panos; her brother, Joseph Snyder; and her parents, Joseph and Mary Snyder. Marie is survived by her husband, Alden Panos of Jackson Junction, Iowa; two sons, Steve (Bev) Panos of Spillville, Iowa, and Tony (Charlene) Panos of Alabama; and one daughter, Margaret (Jay) Uhlenhake of Lawler, Iowa. She is survived by her ten grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, along with her sister and in-laws. “I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway, and more, much more than this; I did it my way.” - My Way, Elvis Presley There will be a private service for the family at a later date.
