Panchuk, Mary
Panchuk, Mary Teresa (nee Giampaolo)
September 29, 1937 - May 21, 2025With heavy hearts, and wonderful memories, we share the peaceful passing of Mary Panchuk (née Giampaolo) on May 21st, 2025, at the age of 87. Mary is predeceased by her parents Giovanni and Anna Giampaolo, brother Rev. Dino Giampaolo, and sister Helen Murphy. Born in Timmins, Ontario, on September 29th, 1937, to a hard-working immigrant family of Italian heritage, Mary was raised with love, faith, and caring. It is this foundation that brought her to Toronto where she earned a nursing degree from St. Michael’s Hospital Toronto, and subsequent degree in Public Health Nursing from Western University. While in Toronto, Mary met her beloved husband Andy Panchuk (2005) and they went on to become loving parents to Mark (Janet), Grant (Lisa), and Neal (Ivana). Mary was extremely proud of all her grandkids, reveling in the time she spent showering love on Kate, Luke, Max, Larson, Nolan, Stella, Morgan, and Mila.
Nothing pleased her more than a family gathering with good food, conversation, and laughter. Never wanting to be the center of attention, she was happy to quietly watch the fruits of her labor and love grow to incredible bounds. This did not mean she could get out of the action though and was often cajoled into dancing with her sons on her birthdays or playing silly games with her grandkids.
Mary was an exceptionally strong, and strong willed, individual who supported those around her with compassion, resolve, and unconditional love. From her career in nursing to her volunteer efforts with the church and food bank, Mary always gave more than she received. She touched the lives of many and secured an enduring place in our hearts. We will remember Mary fondly for her many accomplishments, but more profoundly, for how special she made us feel.
A funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Church in Guelph on Thursday, May 29th, at 10:30am which will be followed by a reception at the Parish Hall adjacent to the church. Interment at Marymount Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Wellington Hospice. A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible staff and volunteers at the Wellington Hospice.
