Joan Ziac Pankosky, 76; Teacher, Former President of Greenwich Senior Center's GREATS

From Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.

Joan Ziac Pankosky, 76, of Greenwich, and Becket MA, died August 15, 2015 of heart failure.

She was born September 27, 1938 in Greenwich and was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Coughlin Ziac.

Following her graduation from Greenwich High School, she attended and graduated from the University of Connecticut. She spent most of her adult life as an educator of young children and was a founding teacher at the Mead School. Joan also enjoyed teaching the many things she loved, i.e. quilting, to all ages. Joan was very active in the Town of Greenwich as a member of the RTM and was President of the GREATS Senior Center. She was an active member of the Mianus River Boat & Yacht Club, a lifelong member of Sokol USA and a member of many singing groups including the Silvertones and the Grace Notes. She loved spending time in her summer home in Becket, MA.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Charles Pankosky (Chuck) of 43 years in 2003.

Joan leaves two sons, Jay R. Pankosky and his wife Jill of New Canaan, and Christopher J. Pankosky of Germantown, MD. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Bradley Pankosky of Los Angeles, and Sarah Pankosky of New Canaan, and Emily, Hayley and Jack Pankosky of Germantown, MD. She also leaves her long-time companion, Donald Kelly.

Joan is also survived by her brother, John Ziac and his wife Nancy, two sisters, Mary Benoit and her husband Joseph, and Linda Ziac, all of Greenwich as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of Joan’s life at a future date.

Donations can be made in her name to the Bennet Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital.