Georgiana Gilkeson Panton

ALBANY - Georgiana G. Panton, 88, passed away January 2, 2026.

Georgiana was born April 1937 in Albany, NY to Verna (Lutz) and Richard E. Gilkeson, who predeceased her. In 1938, her family moved to Syracuse, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy in 1955, and put herself through college working at the Syracuse Public Library. She earned her BA in Political Science from Syracuse University, Cum Laude, in 1959 and went on to complete a Masters in Public Administration there at the Maxwell School in 1960.

She moved to Albany in 1960 to begin her internship in the Governor’s office. The next year, she met her beloved husband, James Panton. They married in 1962. Her career included a variety of positions in the NYS Departments of Civil Service and later the Department of Motor Vehicles. She retired in 1995 as the Director of Personnel for the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

Georgiana shared a love of music and art with her husband of 52 years, Jim, who predeceased her in 2014. They also shared an interest in politics and a belief in community service.

In retirement, Georgiana was involved in a variety of organizations and activities.

She was active in Vanguard Albany Symphony for over 60 years, serving in many roles, including president, from 1996 to 1998 and was the Showhouse chair in 2001 for a very successful fundraiser at the restored historic Uri Gilbert mansion in Troy.

She was very active in supporting Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, also serving on their Board for several years, and was a member of the Women’s Leadership Circle.

At the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, she served on the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board and on the Troy Chromatics Concerts Board of Directors.

She also served on the Board of the Arts Center of the Capital Region, was a member of the Empire Sate Plaza Arts Commission, served on the Board of Directors for the Northeastern Association for the Blind at Albany, and was part of the SUNY Albany Libraries Development Committee. She volunteered as a reader for WMHT RISE, a radio information service for the blind and print disabled. She was also member of the Capital District Humanist Society, Torch Club and supported the Albany Institute of History and Art.

In 2010, she was honored, along with her husband Jim, to receive the Third Age Achievement Award in Arts and Culture from Senior Services of Albany.

More than anything, she adored her family. and she will be greatly missed. Mrs. Panton is survived by her children: Diane Panton, MD of San Diego, CA and James Panton, PE (Kimberly) of Duxbury, MA; grandchildren Jonathan (Camila) and Georgiana, and Cody and Taite, and great-granddaughter Mariana.

A memorial service will be held at the Avila Retirement Community, 100 White Pine Drive, Albany on March 28, 2026 at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, WMHT or the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.