Dr. Marie Panec, mother, wife and educator passed away from a cerebral aneurysm May 3, 2011.
Panec, a Biology professor at Moorpark College who was hired in 1997, was known in the department as an innovator who wasn’t afraid of changes.
MC part-time Biology professor Betsy Connolly worked with Panec for the past two years. Connolly mentioned that Panec felt it was important that her voice was heard.
“She had a gift to be useful. She listened…but she was different, a rare person, because she did something about it,” stated Connelly.
Panec served on the Board of Community Action of Ventura County, the Oak Park Unified School District and spent two years in U.S. Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa. She earned degrees in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry.
In 2010 Panec ran for the California 24th Congressional District under the Democratic Party, but suffered a defeat against opponent, incumbent Elton Gallegly.
MC Associate Professor Mary Rees said the campaign was a huge effort and Panec had the tenacity to do it.
“She knew it was an up hill battle, but there were problems that needed to be fixed, they needed a new voice … she gave it her best shot,” said Rees.
She is survived by her husband, Alan; and daughters, Michelle and Alicia.
