Elsie Pankowski

Elsie Marie Pankowski, 80, of Great Falls, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at Peace Hospice after a long battle with multiple myeloma.A family memorial service is planned at a later date. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Elsie was born January 31, 1933, in rural Ross, North Dakota, to Frank and Geraldine Cvancara. She attended country grade schools and graduated from high school in White Earth, North Dakota in 1950. On April 12, 1952 she married Tom Pankowski. They had two children, Geri and Daryl. She worked as a telephone operator and was a partner in Pankowski Excavating.Elsie enjoyed writing and published two poetry books. Her other interests included bowling, playing cards, and her beloved animals.Elsie is survived by her husband, Tom of Great Falls; daughter Geri of Great Falls; son Daryl (Ahisha) of Montrose, CO; three grandsons, Josiah, Terex, and Triton; mother Geraldine Smola; sister Nancy Thronson of Stanley, ND; and niece Julie and her family of North Carolina.She was preceded in death by her father, Frank H. Cvancara; brother M. Neil; and sister Sandra.