Obituary of Menka Panou

It is with shattered hearts that the family of Menka Panou announces her passing on September 1st, 2021 at the age of 94 years old. Predeceased by her husband Risto (1949), Menka is lovingly survived by her only child, Vasil (Bill), her devoted daughter-in-law Triaka, her four granddaughters Sophia Chisholm (John), Valerie Panzica (Peter), Diane Labute (Lucas), and Christine Trella (Craig), and her great grandchildren Ava, Mila, Olivia, Victoria, Alexander, Nicholas, Anna and Brady. Also mourning Menka are brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews in Toronto, Macedonia, and Australia. 

Menka was a kind and compassionate friend to many, and a life coach to anyone willing to share their story. She always listened with a smile and imparted her wisdom with a firm but gentle manner. Menka encouraged her granddaughters to be strong, self-reliant, and fearless in the pursuit of their dreams. She taught her family about humility and perseverance through her own example of starting a new life in Canada as a young widow; and she instilled the virtues of hard work, honesty, and humanity into the Panou household during every year that she was given. Menka loved storytelling, knitting slippers for her loved ones, sharing laughter, coffee and cake with friends and family, and watching her great grandchildren grow and thrive with her ever joyful and pure heart. She will hold a deep and special place in our hearts for eternity and will be missed dearly by those fortunate to have known her. 

Visitation for Menka will take place at Windsor Chapel (SOUTH CHAPEL) 3048 Dougall Ave. 519-253-7234, on Friday, September 3, 2021, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A private Funeral Service will be held at St. Nicholas Macedonian Orthodox Church, followed by a private interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Very Rev. Fr. Emil Atanasov officiating.  Masks are required at the Visitation, Funeral Service and Cemetery Service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Windsor / Essex County would be appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with her family at www.windsorchapel.com