Janie Panagos Hancock, 79, of Owensboro, a devoted Catholic and world traveler whose heart was as expansive as the journeys she took, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025. She was born, on October 4, 1945, in Daviess County to the late George Panagos, Sr. and Evelyn (Carrico) Panagos.
Janie graduated from Daviess County High School in 1963 and the School of Aeronautics in Kansas City in 1965.
Her love of travel began at the tender age of five, journeying by train across the United States with her mother, who instilled in her a lifelong sense of wonder and adventure. That early bond through travel blossomed into a deep appreciation for history, faith, and discovery. Her career as a travel agent spanned 47 years across multiple agencies, concluding with her retirement from Protravel International of New York, NY. Janie didn’t just plan travels, she inspired them, helping others explore the world while pursuing her own lifelong love of discovery.
Her trips were extraordinary. She rode camels through the deserts of Cairo and the beaches of Australia, stood beneath the Acropolis in Athens, rode horses with the gaúchos of Argentina, and found profound spiritual meaning on her pilgrimages to Holy Lands— her most cherished journeys— where she walked the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem and visited the Greek island of Patmos, the site where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelation. She also delighted in the rhythms of life at sea, enjoying over 40 cruises throughout her lifetime.
Janie’s passions were as colorful as the places she visited. She had a soft spot for birdwatching, especially the majestic bald eagles and the seasonal crane migrations. She loved tending to her flower garden, watching the night’s sky – especially meteor showers, dominating in trivia with friends, relished in fine dining experiences, and was a Corvette owner and enthusiast. Her gentle spirit also extended to her love of all God’s creatures and the simple joys of nature.
Her confirmation name, Teresa, reflected the deep devotion that guided her life. A woman of steadfast faith, Janie lived in accordance with the values she held dear: generosity, humility, and reverence for creation.
Along with her parents, Janie is preceded in death by her siblings, George L. Panagos, Jr. and Priscilla Panagos Payne.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter and travel partner, Jessica Hancock; her son and personal chef, Shane Hancock (Temple); her stepchildren, Rhea Hancock (Carol), Linda Robertson, and JuLea Wood; her grandchildren, Evelyn and Ellanor Hancock; her great-grandson, Jayden Broad; 4 nieces and 4 nephews; many cousins; and her faithful and loving canine companion, Cooper.
Special gratitude is given to Janie’s dear family, friends, neighbors, and to Father Mike Williams for his spiritual guidance and compassion during the final moments of her life.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Mercy Ships at PO Box 2020, Garden Valley, TX 75771-2020 or Operation Smile at 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum, with Father Carl McCarthy presiding. Entombment to follow at the cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again at the funeral home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Janie Panagos Hancock’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Hancock and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.