Joanne Panker

Joanne Panker,
April 29, 1963 – February 21, 2025

Joanne Panker, age 61, of Port Orange, Florida, was welcomed into Heaven on Friday, February 21,
2025.
Born in Smithtown, New York, on April 29, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Marie
Panker. She is survived by her two sons, Joseph and John Kotler. She is also survived by siblings
JeanMarie Beganskas (husband Andrew), Richard Panker, Joseph Panker (wife Marianne), and Thomas
Panker (wife Stephanie), and her nieces Andrea and Charlotte and her nephews Joseph, Sean, Ryan,
Max, Jameson, and Declan.
Joanne dedicated her life to bringing smiles to kids. She aligned and worked within organizations
(Commonwealth Toy and Novelty Company Inc. and YoYo World Inc.) who were leading industry leaders
in creating, manufacturing, and distributing products to make a difference and provide smiles to many
children and tweens. Joanne was a testament of pure kindness, and children's smiles lit up her soul.
Her favorite hobbies included going to the beach, going on walks, going to concerts, working out and
spending time with loved ones. After moving to Florida in 2021, she accomplished her dream of living in
her own paradise.
Over the last few years, finding feathers became a part of Joanne’s everyday life. To her, feathers were
symbolic because of the spiritual connection to loved ones of her past. She often found them in
unexpected and unexplainable places throughout her day. She often interpreted the finding of feathers
as a message from her loved ones from heaven, which provided a sense of comfort and reminder of her
belief in God and the afterlife.
Joanne was happiest knowing she made a difference in the lives of children across the world. For this
reason, the Panker family asks you to consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in lieu
of flowers. Joanne’s mission in life aligned with the mission of St. Jude’s, which was to provide hope,
care, and comfort to children.