Izabela Maria Panek

She is survived by her daughter Marta Panek, parents Teresa Pancerzyńska and Roman Pancerzyński, brother Piotr Pancerzyński, niece Ania Pancerzyńska and boyfriend Jeff Potter.

Izabela grew up in Poland in a loving family. Her parents, who never attended university, ensured that their children received any education they wanted. While Piotr chose graduate school in business, Izabela selected a scientific academic path. She moved to beautiful Toruń to study, and by the age of 27, she had graduated with a master’s degree in biophysics and a doctorate in neuroscience. She then joined the Department of Biophysics as an assistant professor.

However, her greatest moment of honour and privilege happened in 1996, when Izabela became a mom to Marta. Watching Marta become the most incredible young woman filled her heart with joy every day.

Izabela and Marta moved to Halifax in 2003, and Nova Scotia became their home away from home.

She pursued her passion for science and research at Dalhousie University laboratories for about 15 years. Learning was a constant in her life. Naturally, she went back to university to complete a Master of Health Administration. She then joined the Department of Anesthesia, where her role was to coordinate research projects.

Marta, Izabela and her beloved boyfriend Jeff shared an interest in the arts and nature. They would always make sure that wherever they went, they visited a museum or gallery, watched a play or attended a music concert. And then they would also find a good spot for birdwatching. Jeff even got her into salmon fishing!

Spending time together was what she loved most, whether watching TV, sitting by the fire, sharing meals or going on bigger adventures. She enjoyed hiking, sailing, photography and many home DIY projects.

She treasured her special bond with Piotr. To her, he was the best brother in the world and an awesome human being.

The cancer journey is never easy. Having Jeff, Piotr and Marta by her side brought her an enormous amount of comfort and peace. She was blessed with great friends in Poland and Canada and often expressed how grateful she was for them.

She thanks the palliative, surgical, oncology and anesthesia teams, as well as the fantastic nursing staff, for caring for her through the most challenging moments.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Izabela’s memory to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, supporting the preservation of the natural spaces and wildlife she loved so dearly. The celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 17th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at J.A. Snow Funeral Home.