Mary Ann Panyon, 80, of Nashwauk, MN, passed away at her home on Thursday, January 25, 2024. She was born in Duluth, MN, on June 24, 1943, to Theodore and Lillian (Wainio) Malila. Mary Ann grew up in the Wawina, MN, area with her family, went to school in Warba, MN, until 8th grade and graduated from Grand Rapids High School. After school she worked at Sportsman's Cafe in Hibbing, MN, for a couple years and not long after, met and married her husband Michael Panyon in Nashwauk. They lived north of Nashwauk for many years on Little Sucker Lake where they began their family and were married for 42 years. Mary Ann kept an immaculate home as she stayed there and raised her daughter, Terri. She loved to read and sing at home as the radio was always on no matter what she was up to. She loved having friends and family over for holiday meals, and loved setting a beautiful table. She was an incredible and gracious host as she was very busy and always on to the next chore or task. Mary Ann was unique in that she was completely selfless in every way and was nothing but giving. She had a quiet disposition, but was always upbeat and positive. Mary Ann, cool, calm and collected was always looking out for others and listening to everyone else. She was a caring spirit who needed to look after others all while being kind and having a great sense of humor.
Mary Ann is survived by her one and only daughter Terri Panyon and granddaughter Shaina Garman along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings Sandra Koski, Theodore Malila and Peter Malila.
There will be a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1st, 2024, at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Pastor Dave Aho will officiate. Interment will take place later at the Wawina Cemetery.