Ann Harlene Leunig Panella

Ann Panella of Turlock and Perdido Key Florida passed away in her home in Florida on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the age of 92. Ann was a native Floridian born in Jacksonville, Florida. And left Jacksonville to attend the university of Florida. This began her lifelong passionate support of her Florida Gator‘s in all sports. During her time in Gainesville, she met the late Thomas D. Stone, Jr. After their wedding a tour in the army, and Tom’s graduation from the university of Florida, they moved to his hometown of Pensacola to support the family business, Stone’s Super Service. Ann has two sons born in Pensacola Jeffrey (Taren), and Christopher (Jane). She resumed her collegiate education, attending the newly formed university of West Florida, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree as a member of the charter graduating class at UWF
After her love of adventure took her to California, she eventually met and married Bernard “Buzz” Panella, becoming stepmother to his adult children, Matthew (Maliece), William (Sandy), MaryBeth, and lisa (David).
Along with Buzz, Ann displayed a passion for meeting and making new friends. She was a consummate hostess with the love of entertaining. She shared an extraordinary bond with her older, twin sisters, often combining her and Buzz’s travels with them and their spouses.

Together, Ann and Buzz enjoyed 25 years of marriage and a vivid social life with the knack for gathering neighbors to enjoy wonderful food, games, and entertainment.
Ann was an avid sports fan. She had a contagious energy when watching her favorite teams and players in football, baseball and basketball, and golf. That energy often carried over into her and Buzz’s thorough enjoyment of spending time with family, including their 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Ann and Buzz enjoyed living a bicoastal life with homes in both Turlock, California and Perdido Key, Florida, with the latter fulfilling and life, long love of the sea and the beach. in Perdido Key, Ann and Buzz made many friends who soon became extended family. After Buzz’s passing these friends cared for, supported, and loved Ann throughout the remainder of her life. Her family is forever grateful.

Early in her life, Ann was a weekly volunteer with Baptist Hospital, Pensacola. Later in life Ann continued her outreach to the community as a weekly volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Society thrift store.

Ann is proceeded in death by beloved husband Buzz Panella, parents, LTC Alexander, Hermann Leunig and Grace Carswell Leunig, and sisters, Marie Brown Bernardo and Blanche Gibbs Reed.
Ann leave behind her beautiful Cat Ink who will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers,Ann requested donations, be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church 10650 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507.

Please join the West Coast family for fellowship and remembrance of Ann’s life on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 12 PM, noon, at the fruit yard
Restaurant Fountain Room
7948 Yosmite Ave Modesto Ca
Lunch and beverages will be offered. If you would like to share your thoughts and stories, the family would love to hear from you.
RSVP recommended but not required.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ann Harlene Leunig Panella, please visit our flower store.