Obituary of Ana D. Panasco

Ana D. Panasco, age 83 of Conway, SC, beloved wife of the late José Damaso Velez Panasco, died peacefully on January 24, 2020, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. Born in Portugal on September 20, 1936, she was the daughter of the late José Joaquim and Maria Da Conceição Dias. Mrs. Panasco immigrated to the U.S. in 1979, settling in Bridgeport, then moved to Oxford in 2001 and has resided in South Carolina since 2014. Always the consummate homemaker, Mrs. Panasco also worked as a machine operator in several Fairfield County factories, (including Dooney & Bourke), before working as a press operator for Top Hat Cleaners of Bridgeport for 10 years until the time of her retirement in 1996. While in Portugal, she worked as a restaurant chef and continued to cook throughout her lifetime, especially Portuguese family recipes for holidays and occasions. Her passion was knitting and crocheting, creating countless heirlooms through the years for her children and grandchildren. Above all, she will be long remembered for her special love and devotion to her family. Mrs. Panasco is survived by her devoted children, José (Griselda) Velez of Bridgeport, John Velez of Hamden, Fernando (Tara) Velez of Bridgeport, and Rosa (Tony) Pereira of South Carolina; a brother, José (Ana) Dias of Portugal, sisters, Lucilia Dias of Portugal and Maria (José) Fernandes of Bridgeport, Sister-in-laws, Elisa Dias of Portugal and Joaquina Rosa Dias of Virginia; 10 cherished grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 52 years, she was predeceased by brothers, Antonio and João Dias and Sisters Laura Do Nascimento and Germana Da Conceição Dias. A Mass of Christian Burial, MEETING DIRECTLY AT CHURCH, will be celebrated on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 9:30 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 733 Oxford Rd., Oxford. Interment will follow in Southford Cemetery, Oxford. Family and friends may call on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.