Ann Harlene Leunig Panella

Ann Panella of Perdido Key, Florida passed away in her home on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the age of 92. Ann was a native Floridian, born in Jacksonville, Florida. Ann left Jacksonville to attend the University of Florida. This began her lifelong passionate support of her Florida Gators 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 a 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 a knack for gathering neighbors to enjoy wonderful food, games, and entertainment. Ann was an avid sports fan. She had contagious energy when watching her favorite teams and players in football, baseball, 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 bi-coastal life with homes in both Turlock, California and Perdido Key, Florida, with the latter fulfilling Ann’s lifelong love of the sea and beaches. In Perdido Key, Ann and Buzz made many friends who soon became extended family. When Buzz passed, these friends, along with Jo Bell, Ann’s dear and close friend of more than 74 years, cared for, supported, and loved Ann throughout the remainder of her life. Ann’s family is forever grateful.

Early in her life, Ann was a weekly volunteer with Baptist Hospital, Pensacola (the Gray Ladies). After Buzz’s death, Ann continued her outreach to the community as a weekly volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Society Thrift Store.

Before her death, Ann learned of a soon to be born 22nd great grandchild She was so excited at the news and looked forward to meeting this new great grandbaby.

Ann is preceded in death by beloved husband Buzz Panella, parents LTC Alexander Herman Leunig and Grace Carswell Leunig, and sisters Marie Brown Bernardo and Blanche Gibbs Reed.

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

Please join the family for fellowship and remembrance of Ann’s life on Sunday, November 16, 12 pm, noon, at Pensacola Country Club, 1500 Bayshore Dr, Pensacola. Food and beverages will be offered. If you would like to share your thoughts or stories, the family would love to hear from you and will provide that opportunity beginning around 12:30 pm.