Marion "Mitzi" Virginia Panico

Marion (Mitzi) Virginia Panico; nee Russell, age 93; our very beloved Matriarch, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. Mitzi was predeceased by her husband of over 70 years, Joseph Angelo Panico. Mitzi and Joe met as teenagers in Wheeling, West Virginia, and spent their lives devoted to each other and to their family. Mitzi and Joe were true examples of unconditional love and devotion. She was also predeceased by her Mother, Nellie Russell and her brother, Eddie Russell; as well as Joes’ parents and siblings to whom she was very close. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church while in Wheeling, and a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Powell, Ohio, at the time of her death. Her Catholic faith was very important to her. Joe converted so that he could marry her – and he also shared in that faith until his death. Mitzi is survived by her 4 children, of whom she was very proud: Joseph A. Panico III (Kimberly), Nina Panico Scopetti (Wayne Arenz), John E. Panico (Sharon), and Paul R. Panico (Trinette). Grandchildren: Gina Parker (Jarrod), Erin Panico, Joseph A. Panico IV (Ashley), Giovanna Scopetti, Maria Panico, Elisa Serra (Evan), John Gabriel Panico, Nicholas Panico, Anthony Panico, Alexander Panico and Emerson Panico. Great Grandchildren: Erin Dannemiller (Andrew), Henry Parker, Joseph A. Panico V, Enzo Serra, and Gino Serra. Nieces and Nephews: Rhonda Farrow (Scott), Susan Pandolfi (Don), Gloria Gaylor (Bob), Peter White (Lynnie) and Matthew White, and many other cousins, friends, extended family and others whose life she touched. Mitzi grew up in poverty; the daughter of her Polish immigrant Mother. She lived in a one-room boarding house and shared that room with her Mother until she married Joe. She shared a bathroom and kitchen with other boarders in the home. Her father abandoned his family when Mitzi was a child; leaving her loving Mother to work under grueling conditions and hours in a factory; and her brother to live with relatives. Mitzi was home alone after school from an early age and had to learn to grow up and be responsible for herself. Mitzi went to work in a grocery store after school and weekends at age 13. She attended a one-room schoolhouse until eighth grade and thereafter graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Wheeling. Until much later in life, she never had store-bought clothing, a radio, a refrigerator, or ate in a restaurant; and as a result, became an excellent seamstress and cook, skills she learned from her Mother. Despite the hardships she faced, Mitzi was popular, sang in the church choir, was Class President, and valedictorian. She described her childhood as “happy” – a testament to her spirit. She later attended college for 3 years, but left when her 4th child was born. Mitzi was intelligent, a hard worker, energetic, happy, positive, spunky, fun-loving, and a joy to be around. She had many friends and was the life of every party. She was kind, sweet, and loving. She accepted people as they were and was non-judgmental. She never complained or blamed, and accepted life’s challenges with dignity, strength, determination, resilience, and grace. Her home was filled with fun, laughter, happiness, love and great food. She was the rock of her family and an inspiration to all who knew her. Mitzi was the voice of comfort, calm, reason, and stability. Mitzi was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a master seamstress and needlepointer. She was a gourmet cook, party planner and hostess; and was even mentioned in Women’s Day magazine for her culinary skills. She planted and maintained massive flower and perennial gardens, and her property was stunning. Well into her late 80s, Mitzi was still tending her gardens. She faithfully worked the New York Times crossword puzzles. She was a devotee of fine arts; and a collector of antique Majolica. She was a music lover and served on the Board of Directors for Opera Columbus and also on several committees for the Columbus Symphony. She hosted many events, including chair of the Opera Ball and hosting symphony dinners. She was an avid bridge player and played with her same group of friends from the 1960s for the next 50 years. She worked side-by-side with her husband, Joe, to build his management consulting firm. She typed his manuscripts for many published books and articles; worked at his office and supported his success in every way. Joe always said he couldn’t have done it without Mitzi. Mitzi will be missed and loved forever by her family. We are thankful for her legacy; and comforted that she has been reunited with Joe – they are a team that belongs together. Mitzi’s memorial service will be held at Rutherford Funeral Home, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio 43065, on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 6:30 PM. We will welcome guests starting at 5:30 PM and a rosary service will be held at 7:15 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 7th at saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, Ohio 43065, followed by luncheon at the church. For live streaming, please see https://stjoanofarcpowell.org/online-masses/ In lieu of flowers, please plant some in your garden, feed the birds, smile, and hug your family for Mitzi.

Marion "Mitzi" Virginia Panico

October 28, 1929 - February 12, 2023