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Gwendolyn Panee Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gwendolyn Panee
Mary Matsumoto - Matsuda
July 6, 2009
Dear Eli,
I was so sad to hear that Gwen had passed away. She was the gentlest sister in the sorority when I pledged. She was always first to laugh at our lame attempts to humor the big sisters. At the time I pledged, there were three Gwens in the sorority. Gwen Kim, your Gwen and Gwen Nishizawa. I remember the standing joke was that the sorority needed to change its name to "Gwens and Friends". Your Gwen loved it!
I will always cherish my memories of sweet Gwen. My condolences to your children and her mother. My heart goes out to you all and I will see you here soon.
Much aloha,
Mary Matsuda
Jessica Watkins
July 3, 2009
Panee family - I am so sorry for your loss. Gwen was always so good to me. My thoughts are with you all.
Aleta You
June 21, 2009
It is with great sadness that I learned of Gwen's recent death.
I met Gwen when I was a freshman at the University of Hawaii in 1965. I pledged Beta Beta Gamma sorority and she was my "big sister." Gwen was a sensitive, kind, supportive and compassionate individual. She helped me navigate the challenges of being a freshman at a large state university and the exciting but somewhat challenging experiences of being a "lowly" pledge. She never made me feel that I was low on the food chain but always treated my pledge class with great love and respect.
Her effervescent personality, her sweet smile and gentle manner will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathy and prayers are extended to Gwen's beautiful family.
1962 BBG Pledge
Bobbi Kong Takeshita
June 18, 2009
Aloha, Gwen Cabral Panee (1944–2009)
We will always remember you, Gwennie dear
Your bright smile & infectious laugh made us Beta Sisters always walk proudly to our long table in Hemmingway Hall with no fear.
Our fond UH memories began when we were elatedly accepted as lowly BBG pledges in the fall of 1962
Life became one of non-stop “studying,” enjoying sisterhood activities, & attending noisy frat parties ‘til our college days were through.
We will never forget your lovable personality & super intelligence, to boot
So proud were we when you rose to the top to become president of our ISC (Interscholastic Sorority Council) for the 8 social sororities on campus…what a toot!
Along that journey appeared Eli…that super, neat guy from the infamous “KI” fraternity.
That surprising union led to your fun bridal shower, followed by your happy wedding day that overflowed with glee!
SIMPLY A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
Yes, we will always remember you, Gwennie dear.
With much love & aloha, ‘til we meet again…
Your pledge sister, Bobbi Kong Takeshita
Sandy and Carl Chun
June 14, 2009
Dear Eli: Carl and I were saddened to hear of Gwen's passing. We remember the last time we saw you both ... at the Hawaii Private Schools reunion there at the Army-Navy Club in VA. Gwen, as always with a smile on her fce, spreading Aloha. We will also treasure our times together at the UH .. with BBG and ROTC and then together in Germany with the Army. Carl and I are back in Hawaii now. We hope to see you here at Gwen's service. With much aloha and blessing upon you, your fmily and Mrs. Cabral, Sandy and Carl
Pat Takata
June 13, 2009
Dear Eli, Bryn and Cameron,
May God keep His loving arms around you through this difficult time in your lives. I know that Gwen is safe with Him and that she is at peace and without pain. I am saddened that she, Stephany and I were not able to meet in Los Angeles for our "cousins reunion" in May ... we all so wanted to be together, having not seen one another for 40+ years. But, we will now look forward to that Grand Reunion in Another Place - the One that God is preparing for each of us. My love and prayers are with each of you as well as with Aunty Anne, Eric and precious little Vann. Thank God that Gwen had almost a year enjoying the time just being Vann's "Granny". My daughters Tracy and Jody and their respective husbands Jonathan and Joseph also send their love and condolences. Much love and ALOHA!
Kathleen Stillwell
June 13, 2009
June 11, 2010
I am truly saddened by the passing of my classmate, Gwen. I remember Gwen in High School as a very loving and gracious person. I was always pleased to see her at our class reunions where we reminesced about the good old days.
God must've needed a new librarian and she will be a magnificent teacher and cousel to all God's children in Heaven.
To her family I send my sincere condolences and I wish you peace and love.
Aloha,
Kitty Nobrega Stillwell
Maryknoll High Class of '62
Honolulu, HI
Bob & Anke Sloat
June 13, 2009
As friends of Bryn and Eric, we are sending our love and heartfelt condolences with the loss of their mom. All those that loved and are mourning Gwen are in our hearts and thoughts as we hope that some strength is found in the joy she brought to your lives!
Vivian Dalmas
June 12, 2009
What wonderful memories will live in my heart of Gwen as we always chatted and caught up on what our girls were doing each time we saw each other at Athens. She was always so helpful as we worked together and assisting my students with their research projects as well as recommending a good book for me to read. Blessings and love to the family and may wonderful memories live in your hearts.
June Weled
June 11, 2009
Dear Eli and Family,
Barry and I send our deepest condolences. We will remember the young gentle Gwen with the big laugh and how she would preface her sentences with "you know what..." whenever she wanted to make a point. May your memories of Gwen help you through these sad days.
June and Barry Weled
Yvonne Morris
June 11, 2009
Eli, Bryn and Cameron,
Gwen was truly like a sister to me. We were both on the cheer leading squad together at Maryknoll School and then sisters in BBG Sorority. Gwen was one of my bridesmaids when I married. We tried to touch bases through the years and spent wonderful times together when she was in Honolulu.
My heart is warmed when I remember her bubbly personality, her warm caring for everyone around her and her genuine kindness and compassion.
My heart aches when I realize that we won't be able to share a hug or stories about our families as we have had to do each time to catch up on the happenings in our individual lives.
Eli, Bryn and Cameron, please know that we send our love and prayer that Jesus brings peace to your hearts as he holds Gwen so tightly in his arms.
Love, Jim and Yvonne Morris
Joyce Azama
June 10, 2009
I'll forever hold warm memories of Gwen whom I knew as a sorority sister at the University of Hawaii! Even when I ran into her with her mother at Kahala Mall in an exercise class about 2 years ago, she was the sparkling person I had known 35+ years ago. At that time, we talked about the possibility of meeting in North Carolina or traveling together.
Dear Gwen will certainly be missed!
Pamela You
June 10, 2009
I pledged BBG in 1963...Pledging a sorority is a daunting “rite of passage”
that can be challenging and formidable with all of the hazing and stringent
rules we had to follow...Gwen made it easy...With Gwen, the pledges could
“relax”, let their hair down and just be ourselves as she had such a warm,
soothing, calming effect on all of us. Always positive, upbeat and effervescent,
Gwen radiated a zest for life that was infectious! She was the “safe haven”
that we could always turn to for support, encouragement and kindness.
I have not seen Gwen in more than 40 years...However, reading through the
testimonials, it’s obvious that she made the same lasting impression on everyone
fortunate enough to have known her and she will be missed very much!
Pamela You
Lori Fendell
June 10, 2009
Dear Cameron and family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother.
My heart is with you, and I hope you find comfort and strength as you are surrounded by loved ones and so many who loved your mom. I'm glad you and your family could be nearby during the process of her dying. Walton also sends his best to you with this loss.
All love and a hug from your friend, Lori
Susan Taira
June 10, 2009
Dear Eli and Family: I pledged BBG in 1965 and was greatly impressed by and appreciative of Big Sister Gwen. She was intelligent, articulate, and passionate. And, while she definitely wanted our bunch of "clueless" pledges to take the sorority seriously, her kindness and good humor shone through. We didn't fear her. Instead, we respected her and wanted to "grow up" to be just like her. Gwen is truly an important part of my BBG memories. I'm sure the countless memories of her loving nature and goodness will help sustain you during this time. Aloha from Hawaii. "Susie Mats" Taira, Rho Pledge Class and Gwen's proud BBG sister.
June 9, 2009
Eli and family,
We have many fond memories of Gwen and her full of energy personality while we were members of BBG. We travelled together to Europe with the University of Hawaii with another sister Marsha. I remember when we had a piano at one of our stops how she encouraged one of our tour members to play the Beta Hep song as she sung out w/ heart and soul the chorus. We all had a laugh and entertained others in the group. Our prayers are with you--Carolyn and Mel Aoki
June 9, 2009
Dear Eli and family,
My heart is so heavy and aches for your loss. I am so sad that Gwen has left us. I fell so blessed to have had Gwen in my life as my friend. I will treasure all of our times we shared together. Gwen had a beautiful smile and a beautiful heart. She loved you all so much. I am praying for all of you and will continue to as you face the days ahead. Little Vann, happy first birthday! If there is anything I can do now or months from now, I will.
With love,
Sue (Raleigh, N.C.)
June 9, 2009
ELI AND family...I AM SO SAD FOR ALL OF YOU..I JUST HAD A NOTE FROM HER NOT LONG AGO....WE ATTENDED MARYKNOLL AND UH TOGETHER(BBG)..SENDING YOU SYMPATHY, STRENGTH,FRIENDSHIP AND A BIG HUG...I WILL OFFER MASS FOR HER..MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.CARY"C.J."MILLER(CALIF.)
ELI AND FAMILY..I AM SO SAD FOR ALL OF YOU...SHE HAD WRITTEN ME A NOTE NOT LONG AGO...WE ATTENDED MARYKNOLL, AND UH TOGETHER(BBG)....SENDING YOU SYMPATHY, STRENGTH, FRIENDSHIP, AND A BIG HUG...MAY SHE REST IN PEACE AND I WILL OFFER A MASS FOR HER...C.J.MILLER(CALIF.)
Yevonne Brannon
June 9, 2009
Eli and family, I was one of Gwen's many admirers.Gwen had endless energy and enthusiasm. She always had time to talk about a wonderful new book and help you find books you would love. Equally, she took time to greet you as a friend with a beautiful smile and thoughtful concern for your family and life. Gwen was so valuable to Athens Dr. High School, to the library and to our entire community. I can truly say that she was LOVED by many. Her love for Athens Drive Library continued to the very end of her time here on earth. It will be very sad to visit the library and not see Gwen waiting to assist, to listen and to make your day better for sharing some time with her. I extend my sincere sympathy and heartfelt prayers to you all.
Daphne Kim Suzuki
June 9, 2009
Eli and family- Gwen was one of our most vibrant sisters in BBG(Beta Beta Gamma) and I was lucky enough to be in her pledge class of '62. Like you and Gwen, I have lived off-island for many moons and we have not crossed paths in decades. Still, Gwen left a lasting and deep impression on me, and everyone who knew her. Deepest sympathies and fondest aloha.
Cynthia Aoki
June 9, 2009
Eli & family,
We are all saddened to hear of Gwen's passing!
I am Gwen's sorority sister of Beta Beta Gamma sorority who pledged in 1965. I didn't get to know her very well but remember her vibrant personality! As a neophyte entering this world called "sisterhood" she stood out as a person I had hoped to emulate. . . smart, outgoing, focused
and kindhearted. Unfortunatly, our paths never crossed thru the years but I'm certain that she left a lasting legacy with family and friends in Raleigh, NC.
She WAS a part of our life, here in Hawaii and I am grateful to have shared together a tiny bit
of this journey we all travel through out our lifetime.
Our hearts and prayers are sent over the ocean to you and your loving family.
With Fond Aloha,
Cynnie Aoki
Beta Beta Gamma Sorority
Gwen Nishizawa Fujie
June 9, 2009
Gwennie was a wonderful "big sister" in our sorority, Beta Beta Gamma, at the University of Hawaii. I loved her spirit, her smile, and I'll never forget her genuine aloha for all of us. I have not seen her in over forty years, yet I will never forget her. Me ke aloha pumehana. To the Panee family - Malama Pono.
Kim Blanchette
June 9, 2009
Bryn and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your mom as having a great big smile when she came for visits to Carolina. I will have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Kim Blanchette (Broomfield, Colorado)
June 9, 2009
.Eli, I was saddened to hear of Gwen's death. Sandy and I plan on seeing you at the Dogget Center on Thursday night and at the mass on Friday. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Caughman
Jim & Carol Davis
June 9, 2009
Cameron & Panee Family,
We so enjoyed meeting Gwen at the graduation in Asheville. She was so charming and so warm and she made our evening together very special; we would love to have spent much more time together. You must have many wonderful memories and we pray they flood your mind and heart and bring you comfort.
Lei Qian
June 9, 2009
Gwen, I miss you ! I remember that evening when I joined your book club the first time, your smile and warmth were so impressive. Your book club not only improved my English, it enriched my life to a level that I never imagined. Gwen, you will be missed by all of our book club members !
April Coffey
June 9, 2009
Although I attended Enloe HS (c/o 1990), I did all of my research at Athens. I will always remember Gwen's beautiful face smiling at me every time I came in. Since then my mother began working at the Athens library along side of Gwen and I was fortunate enough to get to know her personally. She was a kind, beautiful, loving soul. She was always so kind to my autistic son and always knew how to make him smile. She was loved by many and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Celestyne Cook
June 9, 2009
Bryn and family, "Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about." Anonymous
Cessy Cook
June 9, 2009
Lou, Gina, Joey and I were so fortunate to have the years we spent across the street from your family on Lail Court. The memories we shared will stay with us forever as will our love for Gwen. I know she is dancing in heaven!
Beverly DeAngelis
Karen Lee
June 9, 2009
Gwen will be missed by many, especially by her family. Her joyous, optimistic, and energetic outlook were infectious. I always enjoyed our impromptu get togethers as our dogs played. I was shocked to learn of her passing as the last time we had talked she was so very upbeat about her impending retirement. Gwen i know you are at peace now. thank you for your friendship and sharing your positive energy with us. Godspeed.
I wrote a tribute here http://dailyzoomie.blogspot.com/2009/06/goodbye-miss-gwen.html
Karen, Steve & Bugsy
Jackie Sloan
June 9, 2009
Eli, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will never forget our days working together in Housing...You are in my thoughts and prayers
Cheryl Poyner
June 9, 2009
We were so saddened to learn that Gwen's cancer had returned. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to see her again before she passed. Gwen was a beautiful, gracious and brave lady. I'm glad that I had the chance to get to know her and regard her and the ones she loved as part of my family! May God shower blessings of comfort and beautiful memories on each of you.
Diane Neal
June 9, 2009
Dudley and I will be unable to be with you at the memorial mass but just know that we are remembering you and your family in our prayers. Sincerely, Chaplain and Mrs. Patrick Dudley Neal
Scott
June 9, 2009
I first met Gwen around 1998 or 1999. I had always purchased books, but around that time I finally discovered how wonderful the library was. So Gwen was one of my first experiences with a librarian, and she was exactly - EXACTLY - like you would want a librarian to be. She was always helpful and would smile and greet me by name, and we would often talk for a bit as I checked out books. In 2000 I had a son, and so over the past 8.5 years he has gotten to know Gwen too. I'm so glad my son got to know her, because I think she has helped his love for libraries grow. Gwen will be missed.
Larry Ellis
June 9, 2009
My Good Friend, our Father has called you home to HIM. You are now with HIM, your earthly father, and, Eli, Jr. My heart goes out to you, Eli, Bryn, Cam, Ann, Eric and Vann. I know what you are feeling as it has only been 5 years since my Mother was called home! Love to all of you! Mahalo Nui!
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