Phyllis Mary Panzo

August 15, 1948 – September 24, 2026

Phyllis Mary Panzo, 78, passed away peacefully after a years-long, courageous fight with dementia, leaving behind a legacy defined by unconditional love, endless laughter, and a fiercely devoted heart.

Born on August 15, 1948, in Queens, New York, to the late George and Elizabeth McDermott (Schmidt) , Phyllis grew up on Long Island. Though she eventually made Pennsylvania her home for many years, she carried her proud New York roots with her wherever she went—never losing her trademark accent, her bold attitude, or her spirited personality.

A hard worker with a generous heart, Phyllis held many roles throughout her life. Whether driving a bus for special needs students, running her own daycare center, cleaning homes, or serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), she approached every job with dedication and care.

Above all else, Phyllis’s favorite and most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother. Family was her absolute world. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely, and there was truly nothing she wouldn't do for them. An incredible cook, Phyllis brought her family together around the table for unforgettable holiday meals filled with incredible food, warmth, abundant laughter, and love.

When she wasn't caring for her family, Phyllis loved settling in for a good scary movie or a classic old film. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was known to everyone as quite the prankster, always looking for a way to bring a smile or a laugh to those around her. Even as she faced the challenges of dementia in her later years, her strength and the deep love she had for her family remained at the core of who she was.

Phyllis is survived by her loving children: her daughter, Patricia Malone, and her husband, Ralph, her son, Jerry Panzo, and his wife, Angela, and her son, Phillip Panzo, and his wife, Alice. She also leaves behind her deeply adored grandchildren, Matthew Malone, Elise Panzo, and Sarah Panzo, who will forever carry her love and spirit in their hearts, siblings Elizabeth Nelson, Mary Palazzolo, George McDermott, Richard McDermott and John McDermott as well as many nieces, nephews and their children. She is predeseased by her sister Judith Valentine and brother David McDermott.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and celebrated for the joy and warmth she brought into the lives of everyone who knew her.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PHYLLIS PANZO

With deep sadness and everlasting love, we announce the passing of Phyllis Panzo. We invite family and friends to join us as we honor her memory, pray for her eternal rest, and celebrate her life.

FUNERAL MASS

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church

Address: 512 E. Grandview Road, Hanover, PA 17331

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM (Following Mass)

Location: Hampton Inn Hanover

Address: 309 Wilson Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’s memory to:

Knine Rescue, Inc.

(Non-profit animal rescue based in Brookeville, MD)

Website: https://www.kninerescue.com

Email: [email protected]