Carrie Jo Panega passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at 8:33 p.m. surrounded by the love of her family after bravely battling breast cancer. Throughout her journey, Carrie faced each day with strength, grace, and a determination to continue loving and supporting the people around her.
Carrie was the devoted wife of Charles Panega, whose greatest joy was loving her and making sure she always felt cared for and happy. She was the beloved daughter of Linda Carter (David Carter) and the late Charles Anderson.
Carrie was a proud and loving mother to Mariah Stephens (Cameron Stephens) and stepchildren Charlie Panega (Brenda Roman), Jonathan Panega, and Destiny Panega Kuhn (Ruben Kuhn). Being a mother was one of the greatest blessings of her life. She was also a cherished grandmother to Zane, Zaliana, and Gianna, who filled her life with laughter, pride, and endless happiness.
She is also survived by her siblings Richard Smith (Valeria Smith), Rhonda Ryan (Sean Ryan), and Heather Wangler (Dustin Wangler), along with Connie Anderson Kearny, Cathy Anderson Andreozzi, and Laura Parker, who will carry her memory in their hearts and continue the compassion and love that defined her life.
Carrie was dearly loved by her mother-in-law, Phyllis Knobbe, and her brothers-in-law, James Panega and Tom Panega, who were grateful to call her family and will hold her memory close in their hearts.
One of Carrie’s greatest joys in life was being “Aunt Carrie” to her nieces. Each held a special place in her heart, and she took pride in being someone they could always count on.
She showed that love every day through her kindness, encouragement, laughter, and the way she always made them feel important and supported. She is survived by her nieces Erika Ryan, Kayla Pearson, Nicole Ryan, Brooke Smith, Stefanie Poettker, Haylee Russo, and Addison Wangler.
Carrie also had a special love for her great-nieces and great-nephews. She adored watching them grow, celebrating their milestones, and spoiling them with the same warmth and affection she gave so freely to everyone she loved. To them, she was more than just an aunt; she was someone who made them feel safe, cherished, and deeply loved.
Carrie is also survived by her dear and special friends, Ashley Eagan and Stacey Adams, whose friendships meant so much to her.
For 25 years, Carrie dedicated her life to working at the Murray Center, where she cared deeply for the residents she served. She treated them like family and advocated for them with compassion and strength. Her kindness, patience, and genuine care left a lasting impact on the lives of many.
Carrie was truly the glue that held her family together. She had a sassy sense of humor, a generous heart, and a spirit that could brighten any room she entered. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, loved, and understood, even on their hardest days.
Carrie believed deeply in finding the good in life. She often said she simply wanted everyone to be happy and had a remarkable ability to see the bright side of things. Even during the most difficult moments of her journey, she could still find something to be grateful for and gently remind others to do the same.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Anderson, and her stepfather, David Carter; her father-in-law, Phill Knobbe; her beloved stepson, Andrew Panega; her brother-in-law, Joseph Panega; her maternal grandmother, Geraldine Ashby; her paternal grandmother, Norma Carter; and her maternal grandfather, Elton Carter.
Carrie will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her. The love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
In honor of Carrie’s compassionate spirit and her belief in caring for others, memorial donations may be made to Six Lemons, a Centralia nonprofit dedicated to helping local families facing illness and difficult times.
Her legacy will live on through her family, her friends, and the countless people whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing her.
A visitation time to share memories with Carrie’s family will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Carrie may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
