Jean S Panko

Born in Quincy, the daughter of the late Dr. Warren W. Stratton and Ella Cotton Stratton, Jean was raised in the Wollaston section of that city prior to moving to Schenectady, NY where she graduated from high school in 1946. She went on to earn her BA degree in elementary education from Oneonta State University in 1950 and later in life her MA in reading in 1975 also from Oneonta State University. Jean taught elementary education in Newton, MA briefly after college prior to marrying the love of her life, Alex Panko, in 1951 and settling in Oneonta, NY. She went on to teach in Milford, NY and then spent 32 years dedicating herself to the students of Oneonta, NY.

Jean was born into the philanthropic Stratton family most known for their generosity in donating land to the Town of Marshfield, MA, the establishment of Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury, CT, and the Stratton Mountain resort in VT. All three continuing to offer beauty to generations of visitors.

After having summered on Cape Cod for many years, Jean and Alex permanently settled in Harwich in 1989 where she worked at Peace Goods and Snows Department Store in Orleans. Her hobbies and interests included reading, cooking, and sewing. Travel was so important to Jean and she enjoyed visiting most of the United States, Europe, and many exotic locations.

Jean is survived by her beloved children, Dean K. Panko of Harwich with whom she lived, and Sandra Cole and husband Ronald of Schoharie, NY. She was the devoted grandmother of Alexis Busse and her husband Edward and the dear aunt of Andrea Ronovech and Karen Tisenchek. She was predeceased by her brothers, Warren and Irwin Stratton.

Funeral services will be private and Jean will be laid to rest in the Stratton family lot in Granby, CT.

Those wishing to remember Jean may do so through donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.