Slava Panko (née Bardega)
1946 – 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Slava Panko, a remarkable woman whose warmth, strength, and boundless capacity for care were an inspiration for everyone who knew her.

Born in a refugee camp in Germany in 1946, Slava’s journey was shaped by the resilience of her Ukrainian heritage. From those humble beginnings, her family crossed the ocean by boat to Canada, settling in Kirkland Lake where she grew up alongside her two beloved sisters, Vera and Mary.

Slava met the love and partner of her life, Don Panko, in Toronto. Their early life together began in married student dormitories at the University of Toronto, setting the foundation for a lifelong partnership filled with adventure and deep devotion.

A retired nurse by profession, Slava was a caregiver at heart. Whether she was checking in on neighbors, or taking the time to find the perfect words for a birthday card to make someone feel truly seen and loved.

Above all, Slava took immense pride in being a devoted mother to David and Oricia, and a supportive grandmother to Regan, Trevor, and Lauren. She was a patient mentor and coach, whether she was teaching her grandchildren how to read, spending hours with them in the kitchen passing down traditional Ukrainian recipes, or baking the world's best cookies and cheesecake.

Despite her gentle and nurturing nature, Slava was also a fierce competitor who was always up for a new adventure alongside Don. Together, they embraced life to the fullest—whether they were sailing, kayaking, riding tandem on a motorcycle, navigating winding country roads in their Miata, or honing their skills in archery and trap shooting. She proved her formidable focus by routinely outshooting the men in competitions.

Slava’s legacy is one of resilience, loyalty, an embrace for life’s adventures, and a deep, unconditional love for her family. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered in our hearts.

A celebration of Slava's life will be held to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice that reflects her lifelong spirit of care and giving.