Carole Lee Panaia

Surrounded by her family, Carole Lee (Churchill) Panaia, 78, of Indiana, died at home on May 16, 2024. The daughter of William and Clara Churchill, Carole was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on August 22, 1945. 

As an undergraduate student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s, Carole was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and met her beloved husband, Larry Rocco Panaia. They married on September 18, 1965. Carole relocated back to Pittsburgh when Larry served in the Vietnam War from 1965-1969. Following his final tour of service, they returned to Indiana in 1970, where they were active members of the Indiana community together for more than 40 years. 

At the heart of it all, Carole followed her call to serve others. Whether it was feeding hungry football players, volunteering in the schools and church, hosting family gatherings, or sending cards and gifts for any occasion, she always found thoughtful ways to make everyone know that they were important to her. Carole genuinely recognized that life’s littlest moments deserved to be celebrated.

Carole returned to IUP and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and was a substitute teacher for the Indiana Area School District. Over the years, Carole was active in the St. Thomas More University Parish community, where she was a member of the church choir and Prayer Shawl ministries. In recent years, she volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Indiana Meals on Wheels chapter. After Larry’s death, Carole enjoyed making memories with her grandchildren and spending time with cherished family and friends.  

Carole is survived by her three daughters: Carla Kologie (Craig); Lorri Panaia; and Tamara Guttormson (Paul). Also surviving are three grandsons, Ryan and Nathan Kologie and Caden Guttormson; two granddaughters, Siena and Anya Guttormson; and a brother, William Churchill (Fred). 

Carole was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Larry, her parents, William and Clara Churchill, and a brother, John E. Churchill.

A caring and selfless mother and grandmother, Carole will always be remembered for her thoughtfulness, kindness, and sharp wit. Her family would like to thank her many friends for their unwavering support during her most challenging years.  

Friends will be received Wednesday, May 22, from 5 - 7 p.m., at Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. in Homer City, Pa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas More University Parish, Indiana. Interment will be held at St. Bernard Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at www.upmchillman.com/donate or a favorite charity of your choice. We also invite you to share your favorite photo, story, or memory of Carole at tpanaia@gmail.com.