Wilkes-Barre Heights Location Obituaries

Wilkes-Barre Heights Location: A Legacy of Compassionate Funeral Services

Located at 281 East Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18702-5813, the Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home has been a pillar of support for families in the community for generations. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, this esteemed funeral home has earned a reputation for providing compassionate and personalized funeral services to those who have lost a loved one.

A History of Dedication and Service

The Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home has a long-standing tradition of serving the local community with dignity and respect. Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy, and professionalism, this funeral home has been a trusted partner for families navigating the difficult process of saying goodbye to a loved one. Over the years, the funeral home has remained committed to its core values, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community while maintaining its unwavering dedication to excellence.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Eugene D. "Gene" Gavrish - November 22, 1940 - March 10, 2020

Departed: 03/10/2020 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Eugene D. "Gene" Gavrish, 79, a resident of South Wilkes-Barre, passed into Eternal Life in the presence of his family while in the care of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center following a prolonged battle with kidney disease.

Born November 22, 1940 in Nanticoke, he was the last surviving of five children to the late John and Nellie (Gill) Gavrish.  Educated in the Nanticoke schools, Gene was a member of the 1958 graduating class of the Greater Nanticoke Area High School.  Later in life and wanting to take a hands-on approach in fixing his daughter's classic Ford Mustang, he took classes in auto body repair at the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational-Technical School in Plains Township.

Until his retirement, he was employed as a supervisor for the iBet department of Mohegan Sun Pocono.  Prior to that, he was a truck driver for Kay Wholesale in Hanover Township and served as manager for the Pantry Quik on Carey Avenue and the former Genetti's Supermarket of East End.

Gene proudly was a member of the 109th Infantry with the Pennsylvania National Guard in his youth. He earned the distinction of 4th Degree Knight of Columbus having held membership with the Assumpta Council #3987 of Luzerne.  He attended the Church of Saint Nicholas in Wilkes-Barre.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing pool and bowling with family and friends as well as the annual summer vacations to Ocean City, Maryland.

A consummate family man, one of his most cherished traditions was reciting "The Night Before Christmas" each year to his daughters and their children following the family's Christmas Eve meal together.  His larger-than-life presence will be greatly missed by all those he touched in this life.

He and his wife, the former Geraldine D. Switras celebrated fifty-six years of married life together on September 14th of last year.

Mr. Gavrish was preceded by his sister Flossie; Brothers, Ronnie, Chet, Edward, and most recently, by a granddaughter, Savannah.

Left to cherish the wonderful memories they hold of their father in addition to his beloved wife Gerri at home are the couple's daughters, Sherry Carmelengo and her companion, Cole Blackwell of Wilkes-Barre; Terri Menichelli and her husband Paul of Pittston; Joy Gavrish and Lori Gavrish, both of Wilkes-Barre; The apples of his eyes, his granddaughters, Alexa, Destinee, Gionna and Mariah; Several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Gavrish will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.  The Reverend Joseph D. Verespy, pastor of Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church will serve as celebrant and homilist.  Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Gavrish and her family for visitation and shared remembrances Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations in Mr. Gavrish's memory are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation serving Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey at 1500 Walnut Street; Suite #301 Philadelphia, PA 19102.

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Victoria Jenkins - February 07, 1951 - February 28, 2020

Departed: 02/28/2020 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Ms. Victoria Jenkins, 69, a resident of Wilkes-Barre and formerly of Brooklyn borough, New York City, passed into eternal life Friday afternoon while in the care of Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center, Scranton, following a prolonged illness.

Born February 7, 1951 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Ms. Jenkins celebrated her sixty-ninth year just three weeks prior to her passing.

Following the family's relocation to the greater New York City area, they settled in Brooklyn Borough.  Educated in the New York City School System, Victoria was a graduate of the Louis D. Brandeis High School, and later earned her associates degree from the Medgar Evers College campus of the City University of New York in Brooklyn.

Until her retirement, Ms. Jenkins was employed for over fifteen years as a bus driver for the New York City Transit Authority.  Prior to that, she worked as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service in Manhattan Borough.

Despite her years of service, Victoria's biggest responsibility was raising her children and her children's children.  She is remembered as being a strict but loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her adoring family.  She took pleasure in spoiling all of her little ones.  A wonderful cook, she was famous for her salmon patties.  In her spare time, she enjoyed her many travels, most of which included her shopping sprees.  Her presence will be greatly missed by all those she touched in this life.

Victoria was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Phelps in 1992; by children Evangeline Phelps, Mark Phelps and twin daughters Takia and Tamika Jenkins.

Left to cherish the wonderful memories they hold dear of their mother are her daughters, Tabitha Phelps, at home; Shanika Cumbo of Allentown; Taquana Jenkins of Wilkes-Barre; Forrest Keith Phelps Jr. and Alton Cumbo, both of Brooklyn; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; Sister, Sarah Jenkins of Tallahassee, FL; Lina Johnson of Brooklyn, NY along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Ms. Jenkins will be conducted on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of her family.

Relatives and friends may join her children for visitation and shared remembrances Saturday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services directly at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions in Victoria's memory will be accepted at the funeral home for the family's use.

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Joyce M. Grohowski - February 16, 1947 - December 01, 2019

Departed: 12/01/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Joyce M. (Borum) Grohowski, 72, formerly of Wilkes-Barre Township, entered into Eternal Life early Sunday morning while in the care of Residential Hospice Inpatient Unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre following a prolonged illness.

Born February 16, 1947 in Wilkes-Barre Township, she was one of twelve children to the late John and Catherine (Sabulski) Borum.  Educated in the Township schools, Joyce was a member of the 1965 graduating class of the former Wilkes-Barre Township High School.

Until illness caused her early retirement, Mrs. Grohowski was employed for Morgan-Certech of Hanover Township for some twenty years.  Additionally, she was employed by her neighbors on Blackman Street at Vino's Deli for several years.

A devout Catholic, she held membership in the Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre.  She and her beloved husband, Ray shared fifty-two years of married life together on March 29th of this year.

Joyce is remembered as being a loving, devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her adoring family.  Her presence will be greatly missed, especially by her grandchildren.  She was their number one fan for all of their scholastic sporting endeavors over the years.  In her spare time, she and Ray would enjoy their trips to the casino.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Grohowski was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Sandra Seacrest; three brothers, Peter, Thomas and Michael Borum; Brother-in-Law, Brian Grohowski and a nephew, Jarad Grohowski.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory in addition to her husband Ray at home, are the couple's children; Raymond Jr. and his wife Kimberly; Mark and his wife Rebecca, all of Ashley;  Daughter, Jill Casarella and her husband Frank, Mountain Top;  her precious grandchildren, Raymond Grohowski III; Anthony and Amber Grohowski; Frankie and Santino Casarella;  Brothers and Sisters, including John Borum, Martin Borum, Anthony Borum and his wife Susan, all of Wilkes-Barre; Geraldine Burke and her husband Charles of Hanover Township; Catherine Koscielski and her husband Leon of Kingston; Barbara Sarbaugh and her husband Rick of Forty-Fort; Doreen Bozek and her husband Leo of Wilkes-Barre Township; Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, former neighbors and many dear friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Grohowski will be conducted on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street, followed by her Funeral Mass with the Rite of Committal at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue.  The Reverend John S. Terry, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the Grohowski Family.

Relatives and friends may join the Grohowski family for visitation and shared remembrances Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, Joyce's family would be humbled if those wishing to send a monetary donation in her memory, kindly give consideration to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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John Buli - August 19, 1956 - November 16, 2019

Departed: 11/16/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. John Buli, 63, a lifelong resident of the Georgetown section of Wilkes-Barre Township, fell asleep in the Lord Saturday evening while in the care of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a recent illness.

Born August 19, 1956 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the only son to the late Andrew Buli, who passed on December 10, 1962 and Margaret (Eloyswhy) Buli, who passed on February 14, 2019.

Educated in the local schools, John was a member of the 1974 graduating class of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

He was a lifetime member of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre Township.

Left to hold his memory dear are his maternal aunt, Mrs. Anna Kohan, Wilkes-Barre Township; several generations of cousins including Joanne Wood, her husband Peter and their family of Kingston.

Funeral services for John will be conducted on Friday, November 22 with the Office of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 526 Church Street, Wilkes-Barre Township.  The Reverend Mykhaylo Prodanets, pastor, assisted by Cantor Jennifer Terza, will serve as leaders of worship and thanksgiving.

Interment will be with his parents in the family lot of Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre are honored to care for John and his family at this time.

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Leona Strobel, R.N. - December 20, 1928 - November 07, 2019

Departed: 11/07/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Miss Leona Strobel R.N., 90, a lifelong resident of the Georgetown section of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed into Eternal Life Thursday morning while in the care of Residential Hospice Inpatient Unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.

Born Christmastime on December 20, 1928 in Wilkes-Barre Township, she was one of four children and the only daughter to the late Joseph C. and Anna (Krutulis) Strobel.  Educated in the Township schools, she was a graduate of the former Wilkes-Barre Township High School.  Miss Strobel then furthered her education towards her vocation by graduating from the former Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing, and later attaining her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Until her retirement, she was employed by the Red Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania at the Kirby Health Center in Wilkes-Barre.  Prior to that, she worked as a nursing supervisor for hospitals in Florida.

Miss Strobel will be remembered for her caring ways and her love of animals.  In the course of her lifetime, she adopted unwanted dogs from the S.P.C.A. in the Miners Mills section of the city.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph "Doc" Strobel on September 2, 2002.

Left to hold her memory dear are her brothers, Mr. Charles J. Strobel at home and Mr. Bernard Strobel and his wife Helen of Duryea; Several nieces, nephews and cousins including her caregiver, Ms. Carla Horoszy of Wilkes-Barre.

Funeral services for Miss Strobel were held privately and at the convenience of her family from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street, followed by her Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend John L. Terry, pastor served as celebrant and homilist.  There were no public calling hours.

Interment with the Rite of Committal followed in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township.

Leona's family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in her memory, kindly give consideration to the S.P.C.A. of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

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Mary Ann T. Kosakowski - June 18, 1946 - November 02, 2019

Departed: 11/02/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Mary Ann Theresa (Hojnowski) Kosakowski, 73, formerly of Dallas, passed into Eternal Life Saturday, November 2nd, following a prolonged and heroic battle with a terminal illness.

Born June 18, 1946 in Nanticoke, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Gritczen) Hojnowski.

Educated in the Nanticoke schools, she was a member of the 1964 graduating class of the Greater Nanticoke High School.

Placing her career on hold to be a full-time wife and mother, Mary Ann later rejoined the work force and eventually retired from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in January of 2016.

In her spare time, she enjoyed visiting flea markets, listening to pop music and watching television and motion pictures from her youth.  Most of all, she loved spending time with family.

Mary Ann is remembered by all those who knew and loved her as being a loving, caring wife, mother and grandma to her adoring family.  Her fun loving and caring spirit will be greatly missed by all those she touched in this life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Peter L. Kosakowski Jr. on February 25, 2010.   At the time of Pete’s passing, the couple shared forty years of married life together.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kristen Handel and her husband Ken along with their sons, Graham and Oliver Handel, all of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Her son, Jeffrey Kosakowski and his companion Joshua Cloe of Harrisburg; Brother-in-Law, Paul Kosakowski of Wilkes-Barre Township; two sisters-in-law, Rose Ann Martin, Mountain Top and Lois Zluchowski, Cove Springs, FL; Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was also blessed with many friendships that lasted for decades.

Memorial funeral services for Mary Ann will be conducted Tuesday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street. Inurnment will be private and at the family’s convenience.  Relatives and friends may join the Kosakowski family for visitation and shared remembrances Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

Mary Ann’s family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in her memory, kindly give consideration to the capital improvement campaign at her grandsons’ school, Saint Joseph’s Regional School, 11 Harbor Lane, Somers Point, NJ 08244; Attention: Mrs. Carla Marone.

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Eleanor C. Prohaska-Markovich - March 03, 1923 - August 30, 2019

Departed: 08/30/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Eleanor C. (Kutney) Prohaska-Markovch, 96, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed into eternal life Friday, August 30th in Crowley, Texas following a recent illness.

Born March 3, 1923 in Wilkes-Barre Township, she was a daughter to the late Adam and Susan (Lazur) Kutney.

Educated in the Township schools, Mrs. Markovich was a member of the 1941 graduating class of the former Wilkes-Barre Township High School.

Previously, she was employed by the J.B. Carr Bakery as a production assistant until the company closed.  For several years following, she was employed as a floor supervisor at Ann-Will Garment Company in Kingston.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Mr. Edward M. Prohaska in 1970, and later by her second husband, Mr. Paul Markovich in 2012.  Also preceding her were a sister, Mrs. Mary Kovalchik and brothers, Steven, Adam and Joseph Kutney.

Following her marriage to Mr. Markovich, they moved to Lauderhill, Florida where she began a second career as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She was employed by the Broward County General Hospital until her retirement.  In 2010, she and her husband moved to Crowley, Texas for health reasons and to be closer to her son.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Thomas E. Prohaska and his wife Joey of Denton, Texas, along with ten nieces, seven nephews, several great-nieces, great-nephews, fellow colleagues and dear friends.

With respects given to Mrs. Markovich's previous wishes, she generously donated her physical remains to UNT Health Science Center for the purposes of medical research.  There will be no formal services at this time.

Following cremation at a date to be determined, memorial inurnment services will be held in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre is honored to care for Mrs. Markovich’s family at this time.

Eleanor’s family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in their mother's memory, kindly give consideration to Saint Francis Village, 4070 Saint Francis Village Road, Crowley, Texas 76036.

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John V. Morris Jr. - October 02, 1947 - August 28, 2019

Departed: 08/28/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: It is with heavy hearts and the peace of Almighty God that we as a family announce the passing of our beloved John V. Morris Jr.

Dad was called home at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday, August 28th while in the care of River Run Heathcare and Rehabilitation Center, Kingston, following several years of carrying his own earthly crosses in this life.

Born October 2, 1947 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the eldest son to the late John V. Sr. and Cecilia I. (Kalafut) Morris.

He was educated next door to the family homestead in the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Slovak Parochial School, North Wilkes-Barre, where he garnered several lifelong friends from the neighborhood.  He then was a member of the 1966 graduating class of the former Saint Nicholas High School, Wilkes-Barre, where he again would make several lifelong friends, especially his beloved wife, Ruthie.  He continued by attending King's College in Wilkes-Barre, focusing on English and business.

Dad later furthered his education towards his profession by attending the former Simmons School of Embalming and Sanitary Science in Syracuse, New York, again making lifelong friends during his year away.

He graduated on March 17, 1972, becoming licensed as a Pennsylvania funeral director following the successful completion of his national and state board examinations. Once licensed, he proudly became the third generation of our family to care for those suffering the loss of a family member or dear friend.  He continued this vocation until the day he passed.

In his earlier years, dad was a proud member of the Wilkes-Barre Township Lions Club, where he served as past president; became zone chairman and eventually deputy district governor of the former Lions District 14-H.  In keeping with the goals of Lionism for sight conservation, he became certified in eye enucleation for corneal transplant through the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.  He was the recipient of the "Three in '83" award for his efforts to the Lions in addition to serving as co-chairman of the regional blood bank and diabetes research.

Dad was very proud of his earthly work as a funeral director and was always association-minded.  He held membership in the National Funeral Directors Association, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, where he served on the bi-laws committee and the Luzerne County Funeral Directors Association where he served as past president, during the 1984 passing of the federally-mandated Funeral Rule for all funeral homes across the country.       After holding office for the local association, he held a position on the executive board for twenty-six years, being honored by his son who was then president in 2002 for his decades of dedicated service to the association.

Dad's enthusiasm for funeral service did not end there.  Most recently, and as a senior member and historian for the group, he would make sure his friends at Trans-Med would safely get him to the monthly meetings and district meetings to ensure his continuing education credits were met to maintain his licensure - and to give his subtle input on recent happenings.

Those who knew dad knew he held a special place in his heart for his family, his friends and for those who called upon him in their time of need.  He will be greatly missed by our family and all those whose lives were touched by his generosity and kind spirit while he was in our presence.

A devout Catholic, dad held membership in the Parish of Saint Nicholas, and contributed to the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette, North Wilkes-Barre and Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, where he previously held membership in the parish council of the Knights of Columbus.

Mother and dad recently shared fifty years of married life together on February 1, 2019.

In addition to his parents, most recently he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Elizabeth Mickulik, several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Left to hold his memory dear in addition to our mother, the former Ruth M. Hoheneder at home are his son; John V. Morris III and his wife Lori A, North Wilkes-Barre, their children, John R. Morris IV, Richard Andrew Morris, Joseph M. Ungvarsky and Matthew J. Ungvarsky;  daughter, Elisa A. Daly and her husband Corey E. along with their children Corey E. Daly Jr. and Katie Daly, all of Freeland, MI;  Siblings including Sr. Kate Morris SS.C.M., North Wilkes-Barre; Marcine Lukesh and her husband Richard of Chester Springs; Paula M. Nicely and her husband Charles of Cherry Hill, NJ; Margaret Mary Gelgot and her husband James of Kingston; Anne Marie Sysko of Clarks Summit; and Stephen J. Morris and his wife Colleen of Plains Township;  Numerous cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, in-laws, fellow colleagues and dear friends.

Our family would like to gratefully acknowledge the care and compassion shown dad over the years by Dr. Patrick J. Kerrigan, who is not only a friend but an extension of our own family.

Per our family's wishes at this time, funeral services for dad were held privately with his concelebrated funeral Mass in the Church of Saint Nicholas, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Joseph D. Verespy, pastor and the Reverend Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G., Vicar General for the Diocese of Scranton, who was dad’s “adopted son”, served as celebrants.

Interment was below our foundress, his grandmother in the family lot of Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township where he received the Rite of Committal.

Our family would be humbled if those wishing to make a contribution in dad's memory, kindly give consideration to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105;(www.stjude.org) or to Saint Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Avenue  Scranton, PA 18509 (www.stjosephscenter.org).

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Mary Ann Keirans - November 26, 1937 - August 02, 2019

Departed: 08/02/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Mary Ann (Koshatzky) Keirans R.N., 81, a resident of Mountain Top, passed into Eternal Life unexpectedly in the comfort of her home late Friday morning, August 2, 2019.      Born November 26, 1937 in New York City, she was daughter to the late Henry and Catherine (Kovacsevics) Khost Sr.      Mrs. Keirans was educated in the New York City school system and worked toward her undergraduate studies at the Cornell University New York Hospital School of Nursing.  She later futhered her education by attaining a Master's Degree in Nursing from Columbia Univeristy in New York City and Her Master's degree in Business Administration from the Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre.      Mrs. Keirans devoted her life to nursing and caring for public health.  Until her retirement, Mary Ann worked locally as the administrator for the former Visiting Nurses Association.  Prior to that, she worked in New York City as a public health nurse.      For her years of dedicated caring service, she was the recipient of the esteemed Athena Award for women's business leadership skills in Luzerne County.      Mrs. Keirans was a member of the Parish of Saint Jude, Mountain Top, where she held membership on the parish Social Action Committee.  She also served on the Board of Directors for the M.M.I. Prepatory School in Freeland and was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Home Health Agencies.      Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. John Keirans on April 27, 1992.  At the time of his passing, the couple shared some thirty-two years of married life together.      Left to celebrate her life are the couple's daughter, Veronica Penney and her husband James of Mountain Top;  Granddaugthers, Jillian, Grace and Rachel Penney;  Brother Mr. Henry Khost Jr. and his wife Deborah of Neptune City, NJ; Numerous nieces, nephews, fellow nursing associates and dear friends.      Funeral services for Mrs. Keirans will be conducted on Saturday, August 31, with a memorial Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Jude, 420 South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top.  The Reverend Joseph J. Evanko, pastor will serve as celebrant and homilist.  Inurnment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Calvary Diocesan Roman Catholic Cemetery, Route 309, Drums.      Relatives and friends may join Mary Ann's family for visitation and remembrances directly at church Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral Mass.      In lieu of floral tributes, Mary Ann's family would be humbled if those wishing to send a monetary donation in their mother's memory kindly give consideration to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Pet Fund and Rescue, P.O. Box #3953, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18505.     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre are honored to care for our friend Mrs. Keirans and her family at this time.

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Joseph G. Dobash - September 07, 1927 - June 07, 2019

Departed: 06/07/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Joseph G. Dobash, 91, formerly of Wilkes-Barre Township, more recently a resident of Little Flower Manor fell asleep in the Lord early Friday morning in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born September 7, 1927 in Wilkes-Barre Township, he was a son to the late John and Catherine (Boker) Dobash.  Educated in the Township schools, he was a member of the 1945 graduating class of the former Wilkes-Barre Township High School.

He was an active member of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre Township, where he served as assistant cantor.

Until his retirement, Mr. Dobash was employed by King's College in Wilkes-Barre for twenty-five years.  Prior to that, he worked with Teleradio in Wilkes-Barre Township for twenty years.

Proud of his Township roots, he served as a member of the Wilkes-Barre Township planning committee since 1985.

Joseph was preceded in death by a brother John and by sisters Mary Davis, Irene Dobash Johnson and Florence Ruth.

Left to cherish his memory are several nieces and nephews including his caregiver, Mr. John M. Dobash of Mountain Top, fellow parishioners and dear friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Dobash will be conducted on Monday with Panachida at 10:30 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street, followed by the Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. in Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 526 Church Street Wilkes-Barre Township.

The Reverend Father Mykhaylo Prodanets, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist assisted by Mr. George Daru as cantor.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the Dobash family for visitation and shared remembrances Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.

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Louis A. Wiernusz Jr. - January 26, 1949 - April 11, 2019

Departed: 04/11/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Louis A. "Cookie" Wiernusz Jr., 70, formerly of Washington Park, Mountain Top, passed into Eternal Life early Thursday morning in the care of Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums, following a recent illness.

Born January 26, 1949 in Wilkes-Barre Township, he was elder of two sons to the late Louis A. and Helen (Mattias) Wiernusz Sr.

Educated in the township schools, he was a member of the 1966 graduating class of the former Wilkes-Barre Township High School.

In his youth and following his formal education, Mr. Wiernusz was employed with the former Craft Associates until the time he was drafted into military service.

A combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Louis proudly served our country with the United States Marine Corps.  He attained the rank of Corporal upon the time of his Honorable Discharge from duties on March 26, 1971. Upon his discharge, he was awarded several medals including the National Defense Medal; the Vietnamese Service Medal with one star; the Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon for his military service.

Until his retirement, he had been employed for some thirty years by United Parcel Service in Suscon, Pittston Township.  He held membership in the Viet Nam Veterans Post #56, Nanticoke; the American Legion, Post #781 of Mountain Top and Post #815 of Wilkes-Barre Township.

In his spare time, Lou enjoyed going to car shows, and seeing the cars and motorcycles of his youth. His favorite cars were Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles, and also Indian motorcycles.  On a warm, sunny day, you would be guaranteed to see Lou cruising down the road on his motorcycle.  Above all, he cherished his three adoring grandchildren, who were the light of his life.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his wife, the former Patricia A. Elias; their children, Brian M. Wiernusz, his wife Jean and their son Zachary of Mountain Top and Stephanie Wiernusz-Newell, her husband Lyle and their children Jagger and Hannah of Hunlock Creek;  A brother, several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Lou's family would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff of Fritzingertown for the care and compassion shown to their dad especially in his final days.

Funeral services for Mr. Wiernusz will be conducted on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.

The Reverend John L. Terry, pastor at Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, will serve as celebrant and leader of prayer.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, 68 Saint Mary's Road, Hanover Township, where military honors will be accorded Louis by the United States Marine Corps.

Relatives and friends may join his family for visitation and shared remembrances Monday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the times of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, Louis' family would be humbled if those contemplating a memorial contribution in his memory, kindly give thought to the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign, c/o Staff Sergeant Sonlord Jean, Wyoming Barracks at WyomingpaTFT@gmail.com or by calling 570-332-4388 or 570-690-9170.

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Ryan Taylor - January 11, 1970 - April 07, 2019

Departed: 04/07/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Ryan Taylor, 49 of Wilkes-Barre, entered eternal rest Sunday morning surrounded by his friends and family after courageously enduring a chronic renal disease.

Born January 11, 1970 in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son to the late Reginald and Lena Taylor Sr.

Ryan graduated from the G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre in 1988, where he was described as a loyal friend with kind and generous heart.

In his spare time, Ryan enjoyed playing baseball, fishing, going to car shows with his brothers and was a proud Giants fan who loved taking his fellow fan and nephew, Noah, with him to see them play.

Ryan never met a stranger, as his contagious smile and open heart attracted friends wherever he went.  His greatest passion was his family. He loved his parents and sister and the bond he shared among his brothers was undeniably special. It would not be uncommon for Ryan to share a loving childhood memory or bring a favorite dish he recalled from his mother to a holiday celebration. He will live forever in all the hearts who met him, especially his nieces and nephews, as he was an example of true strength and courage .

Throughout Ryan's 16 year battle with a renal disease, he endured weekly dialysis treatments, multiple surgeries, long hospital stays and other medical complications.  Yet still, he lived his life to the fullest. He never wanted to miss a moment in each of their lives. As he attended each of their school concerts, plays, baseball and football games, baptisms, birthday parties and weddings , he did so with a positive and sincere spirit , despite the physical pain and exhaustion he often felt. We will all miss his presence and cheers of encouragement from so many events attended, but we will forever be blessed having known him and loved him. For the lessons he taught us about taking one day at a time and living life to the fullest regardless of circumstances, could never be taught in a class room or book, but rather the lessons were taught from his heart and encouraging spirit, from the sidelines of each of our lives.

Ryan was preceded in death by his mother and father Reginald and Lena Taylor, brother, Carl and sister Sheryle.

He is survived by his brothers. Allan, Billy , Bret and his wife Martha, Rod and his wife Emily , Reggie and fiancée Jackie and many very loved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by so many close friends, including a very special one, Tony Conyers.

On behalf of Ryan , the family extends a special thanks to Dr. Czwalina; Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis, Plains; Wilkes-Barre General Hospital,  Dr. Butler , Dr. Martino, and Heartland  Hospice, for providing excellent care to Ryan which extended his life, long beyond any of our expectations. They would also like to thank Pastor Adam N. McGahee and his wife Lisa from Moving River Ministries in Wilkes-Barre for their support and prayers of comfort and salvation to Ryan, his family and his friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to join Ryan's family for a memorial visitation Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.

Services will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. with the Reverend Adam N. McGahee, pastor of Moving River Ministry, serving as celebrant and leader of worship.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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Joseph B. Haslinsky - March 21, 1933 - March 13, 2019

Departed: 03/13/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Joseph B. Haslinsky, 85, formerly of Wilkes-Barre and Laceyville, more recently, a resident of Saint Luke's Villa, Wilkes-Barre, passed into Eternal Life Wednesday morning at the facility following a recent illness.

Born March 21, 1933 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son to the late Mr. John and Mrs. Anna (Sikora) Haslinsky.  Educated in the city schools, he was a graduate of the former Saint Nicholas High School, Wilkes-Barre.

Until his retirement, Mr. Haslinsky worked as a mechanic with Stackhouse Auto Electric of West Pittston for several years.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Mrs. Ann Komnath, Mrs. Mary Welnoski and Mrs. Dorothy Williams and by brothers, Mr. John Haslinsky and Mr. Albert Haslinsky.

Left to mourn his passing are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews including his caregiver, Mrs. Carol A. Marino of Wilkes-Barre Township.

Per Joseph's previous requests, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of his family.  There will be no formal visitation.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will be in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery of Saint Andre Bessette Parish, Dorchester Drive Dallas.

Joseph's family would gratefully like to acknowledge the care and compassion he received from the staff of Saint Luke's Villa while in their care.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre are honored to care for Mr. Haslinsky and his family at this time.

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Margaret Buli - December 20, 1931 - February 14, 2019

Departed: 02/14/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Margaret "Margie" (Eloswhy) Buli, 87, formerly of Hemlock Street, Wilkes-Barre Township, fell asleep in the Lord early Thursday morning in the care of the Little Flower Manor, Wilkes-Barre, where she has resided for the past several years.

Born December 20, 1931 in Wilkes-Barre Township, she was a daughter to the late John and Anna (Tonchak) Eloswhy.  Mrs. Buli was educated in the Wilkes-Barre Township schools.

She was a member of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre Township, where she was previously active in various parish affairs.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mr. Andrew Buli on December 10, 1962 and by a sister, Mrs. Esther Hoskey on March 14, 1992.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Mr. John Buli at home; Sister Mrs. Anna Kohan, Wilkes-Barre Township, several nieces and nephews; fellow parishioners, neighbors and friends.

Margie's family would like to gratefully acknowledge the nursing staff of Little Flower Manor for the care and compassion shown her while in their care.

The Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy for Mrs. Buli will be conducted on Monday at 10:00 a.m. in Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 526 Church Street, Wilkes-Barre Township.  The Reverend Mykhaylo Prodanets, her pastor will serve as celebrant and homilist.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow next to her husband in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas.

Relatives and friends may join the Buli family Monday morning for visitation and remembrances directly in church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre are honored to care for Mrs. Buli and her family at this time.

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Frances A. "Cookie" Backlund - April 18, 1943 - February 03, 2019

Departed: 02/03/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Frances A. “Cookie” (Cecelon) Backlund, 75, beloved wife of Mr. Carl W. Backlund of Wilkes-Barre, passed into eternal life early Sunday morning at her residence following a prolonged battle against cancer.

Born April 18, 1943 in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Stanley F. and Frances E. (Ostrowski) Cecelon.

She was educated in the city schools, being a graduate of the former Marymount High School, Wilkes-Barre and later earning her bachelor’s degree in English and education from Alvernia College in Reading.

Until her formal retirement, Mrs. Backlund’s ministry in this life was in education.  She served at both her alma maters teaching English at the former Marymount Parochial School in the Heights section of the city, and later at Alvernia College in Reading.  She later worked for the United States Federal Reserve Bank on Wall Street, New York City.

It was while working in Manhattan; she would meet and eventually marry her dear husband Mr. Carl W. Backlund on an April day in springtime, ultimately sharing some thirty-two years of married life together until her passing.

Viewed as the family matriarch, and having no children of her own, “Aunt Cookie” became a mother figure to her several adoring nieces and nephews of whom will miss her presence dearly.  A woman of grace, she held herself in a manner of quiet dignity, never complaining when her illness caused her physical discomfort.  She is an inspiration to all whose lives she touched and had the privilege of knowing her.

Per her own wishes, funeral services will be held privately and at her family’s convenience in Saint Mary’s Cemetery columbarium, Hanover Township.  There will be no formal visitation.

Remember Cookie with a smile and pray for God’s blessings on her family whose lives will forever be changed.

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. is humbled and honored to care for our friend and her family at this time.

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Roberta L. "Bobbie" Borum - November 16, 1946 - January 23, 2019

Departed: 01/23/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Roberta L. "Bobbie" (Roper) Borum, 72, a resident of the East End section of Wilkes-Barre, passed into eternal life unexpectedly Wednesday evening in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a recent illness.

Born November 16, 1946 in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter to the late George Roper, Dorothy (Rodda) Roper-Belcastro and step-daughter to the late Primo Belcastro.

Educated in the city schools, Mrs. Borum was a member of the 1964 graduating class of the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre.

She was an active member of the Albright United Methodist Church, Wilkes-Barre, where she participated in the women's circle and also held membership in the Red Hat Ladies and the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Wilkes-Barre.

Bobbie and her husband, Mr. John J. Borum would have celebrated fifty years of married life together two days following her passing on January 25th.  She is remembered by those who knew and loved her as being a wonderfully devoted and loving wife, mother, sister and aunt to her adoring family.  Her presence will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister Georgia Hughes and by brothers James and Tony Roper.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband John at home, the couple's children, John Borum of Cleona, PA and Dorothy Marie Borum, at home; Siblings Dorothy Bushman of Lancaster, George "Duke" Roper and his wife Wendy of Mercersburg, PA, Essie Harrison and her husband Frank of Wilkes-Barre and Alice Zimmerman and her husband Earl of Carlisle; Numerous nieces, nephews, fellow congregants and dear friends.

Memorial services for Bobbie will be conducted on Saturday, February 2nd at 12 noon in the Albright United Methodist Church, 116 Dana Street Wilkes-Barre with Pastor Eugene Sperazza officiating.

Interment will be private and at the family's convenience.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Borum's family for visitation and remembrances Saturday directly at church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of floral tributes, Bobbie's family would be humbled if those contemplating a monetary donation in her memory, kindly consider the Albright United Methodist Church, 116 Dana Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

The Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. is honored to care for Mrs. Borum and her family at this time.

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Joseph Mattias - April 06, 1930 - January 10, 2019

Departed: 01/10/2019 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Joseph Mattias, 88, a resident of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed into eternal life early Thursday morning in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a recent illness with his beloved wife, Alma by his side.

Born in the Newtown section of Hanover Township, he was a son to the late Andrew and Mary (Balla) Mattias.  Educated in the Hanover Township schools, he was a member of the 1949 graduating class of the former Hanover High School.

Following his formal education, in 1950 Mr. Mattias joined the United States Air Force Reserves.  He was eventually called to active duty, proudly serving our country during the Korean Conflict and later the Vietnam War, being stationed in Japan.  Joseph attained the rank of Technical Sergeant upon the time of his honorable discharge from military duties on May 24, 1970.

Following his return home, Mr. Mattias was previously employed with the former Craft Associates in Plains Township as an upholsterer.  He later worked as a data entry transcriber for the local office of the Social Security Administration in Wilkes-Barre.  Until his retirement in 1992, he most recently worked as a supply clerk for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township.

He and his beloved wife, the former Alma Minnick, shared forty-nine years of married life together.

He was a member of Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Joseph's professional and fraternal involvement include membership in N.A.R.F.E., the National Association of Retired Federal Employees; was a life member at Post, #644 of the American Legion, Swoyersville and was also a member of the Irem Temple Shriners.

He is remembered by those who knew and loved him for his gentle spirit and the many jokes he would share  to brighten the days of those he came in contact with.

Mr. Mattias was preceded in death by brothers,  Andrew and John Mattias and by sisters, Mrs. Susan Tyburski, Mrs. Ann Malmberg and Mrs. Helen Wiernusz.

Left to hold his memory dear in addition to his wife Alma at home are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services for Joseph will be held Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.  His pastor, the Reverend Peter J. Haenftling of Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, will serve as celebrant .

Interment with prayers of committal will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, 68 Saint Mary's Road, Hanover Township, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Mattias and her family Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, Joe's family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in his memory, kindly consider the charity of their own choosing.

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Dolores P. "Dee" McDonald - July 19, 1933 - December 18, 2018

Departed: 12/18/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Dolores P. "Dee" (Purvin) McDonald, 85, a resident of Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre, passed into eternal life Tuesday evening in the Celtic Health and Hospice inpatient unit at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre following an illness.

Born July 19, 1933 in Wilkes-Barre, she was one of five children to the late Edward and Alberta (Taylor) Purvin and was educated in the city schools.

Prior to raising her family, Mrs. McDonald was employed as a seamstress for the M.B. Bedding Company, South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.  After her children were grown, she did not sit idle.  Dee later worked as a store clerk for Harry's Market on Hazle Street in Wilkes-Barre.  She also worked as a private duty caregiver for several area senior citizens and their families.

Dee, as she was known to those who knew and loved her, is remembered as being a wonderful, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her adorning family.  She took pride in her housework, and was an exceptional baker whose skills will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Harold E. McDonald on December 22, 1993. At the time of his passing, the couple shared thirty-two years of married life together.  Also preceding her were a daughter, Ms. Karen Carr on December 12, 2017; Son-in-law, Mr. Michael J. Drozdowski III on November 7, 2016 and by a brother, Mr. Edward Purvin Jr.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her children, Mr. Kevin H. McDonald, at home; Mrs. Dolores R. Drozdowski of Wilkes-Barre;  Grandchildren including Michael Drozdowski IV and his fiance Lorie Lopez; Alison Byra and her husband Carl; Sean Carr, Kenneth Carr, Aiden H. McDonald and Brandy McDonald.  Great-Grandchildren; Carlee Rose Byra, Michael A. Drozdowski V, Caleigh Carr and Gavin Carr;   Brother, Gerald Purvin of Frederick, MD; Sisters, Raghline Elmy and her husband Henry of Sugar Notch; Janice Klimchak and her husband John of Locust Grove, VA; Several nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. McDonald will be conducted on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.  Interment with prayers of committal will follow in Albert Cemetery, Mountain Top.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. McDonald's family for visitation and remembrances Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions will be accepted at the funeral home in Dolores' memory.

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Dorothy J. "Dottie" Macri - February 13, 1943 - December 13, 2018

Departed: 12/13/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Dorothy J. (Dottie) Burch Macri, 75, a resident of Mountain Top, passed into eternal life unexpectedly Thursday evening, December 13 in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following a recent illness.

Born February 13, 1943 in Matawan, New Jersey, she was a daughter to the late Daniel T. and Harriet (Bird) Burch.  Educated in the New Jersey schools, Mrs. Macri furthered her education towards her vocation in nursing by attending the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder Schools in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Macri was employed as a registered nurse most recently with the Department of Veterans Affairs Nursing Center in Plains Township.  Prior to that, Dottie was employed by the former Davis Nursing Center in Mountain Top and also performed private duty nursing locally.  In her early years as a nurse, she worked in New Jersey hospitals in pre-admission testing.

Dorothy was a member of the Mountain Top Presbyterian Church, Chestnut Street, Mountain Top.  She is remembered by those who knew and loved her as being a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, devoted professional nurse and dear friend.

In addition to her parents, Dottie was preceded in death by her sister, Donna J. Burch in 1996 and by her former husband, Mr. James P. Macri in 2012.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her only daughter, Mrs. Carrie Macri-Tereska and her husband Adam, at home;  Granddaughters, Sereya and Kiara Tereska;  Several nieces nephews and dear friends.

Memorial funeral services for Mrs. Macri will be conducted on Saturday, December 22nd at 4:30 p.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of Dorothy's family.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Macri’s family for visitation and remembrances Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.

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Mary Elizabeth Williams - February 25, 1917 - December 06, 2018

Departed: 12/06/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (Eckenrode) Williams, 101, formerly of Wilkes-Barre and Mountain Top, passed in peace on December 6, 2018, in Boulder, Colorado, where she has lived since 1998 with her daughter and son-in-law.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on February 25, 1917, Betty was the youngest daughter of the late George A. and Mary Anna (Greenfield) Eckenrode.  Raised among many siblings in a Park Avenue home built by her father, she attended the former St. Nicholas High School and was the last surviving member of the class of 1935. Betty went on to earn her teaching degree at College Misericordia, graduating with magna cum laude honors in 1939.

Following her formal education, Betty completed her student teaching at the former Edwardsville High School, where she subsequently became a full-time teacher of English and business.  It was there she met her future husband, Jimmy, a fellow teacher and football coach.  During World War II, she moved to Washington, D.C., working for several federal agencies as an office manager and secretarie extraordinaire. On January 30, 1943, she married the newly commissioned 2nd Lt. James H. Williams at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, and followed him by train to his station in the high desert of Mountain Home, ID, where a new Army Air Corps base was under construction.

Upon the couple's return to Wyoming Valley, the family resided on South Washington St., where Betty was active in parish activities at St. Nicholas Church and school. In the 1960s, she returned to the classroom, teaching business courses and special education classes.  After the devastation of Hurricane Agnes in 1972, Betty was hired by the Small Business Administration, where she resumed management for the local office established to aid community residents and businesses in flood recovery.

Betty is remembered by those who knew and loved her, including her daughter and granddaughters, ten step-grandchildren and twenty-two step-great grandchildren, as a quietly witty and fun-loving soul who was unassuming, thoughtful, and generous.  She loved writing poetry, reading good books, and baking fabulous desserts and Christmas cookies.  She also spent many hours playing cards with family and friends, usually winning.  In retirement, Betty traveled often with her husband, visiting Hawaii, Florida, Alaska, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Mexico, Wales, England, Italy, and many national parks and landmarks.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years [April 25, 2001] and her oldest daughter Dr. Elizabeth Anne (Betty) Williams [December 4, 1998], as well as her brothers and sisters: Donald, Dorothy, Harold, Raymond, Edgar (Jim), Jane, and Carl Eckenrode.

Betty is survived and will be greatly missed by her daughter, Jane Williams Greenfield of Boulder (husband - Jim); granddaughters, Dr. Christine M. Stone (husband - Bert) and Dr. Kathryn E. Caggiano (husband - Steve); and a number of nieces, nephews, and dear friends in Pennsylvania and Colorado.

Funeral services for Mrs. Williams will be conducted on Saturday, December 15th, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Joseph D. Verespy, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.  Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the parish cemetery, Pioneer Avenue, Shavertown section of Kingston Township.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Williams' family for visitation and remembrances directly at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

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Donald William Schukraft - April 25, 1951 - November 29, 2018

Departed: 11/29/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Donald William Schukraft, 67, a resident of Bear Creek Township, passed into eternal life most unexpectedly Thursday evening while doing what he loved…working on one of his trucks at the family home.

Born April 25, 1951 in Chester, Delaware County, he was a son to the late Carl Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Mulholland) Schukraft.

Educated in the Chester schools, he was a member of the 1969 graduating class of the Sun Valley High School.

Following his formal education, Don worked as a crane operator in marine construction with his brother Carl in Sarasota, Florida.  After the family's relocation to the area some thirty years ago, settling in Bear Creek Township, he worked as a trade electrician with the Local #1319, and held membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Don continued his career as a crane operator with the Local #542 of the Operators and Engineers right up to the time of his passing.

In his spare time, he could be found tinkering with his Harley-Davidson motorcycles or his various trucks he shared with the family.  He was well-known as a "do-it-yourself" handyman, and would educate himself on fixing and maintaining almost anything.

To those who knew and loved him best, he is most remembered for his sense of humor while being a loving husband father and Pop Pop to his family.  His gruff exterior did little to hide his enormous heart of gold, allowing him to assist anyone in need.  His greatest joys in this life are his grandsons and pets of whom, will miss him greatly.

Don was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by a sister, Mickey Sutter.

Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his wife of forty-seven years, the former Jeanne Bendick Schukraft, at home.  The couple's only daughter, Wendy Schukraft and her companion, Joseph Gould of Bear Creek; Grandsons, and his pride and joy, Paul Tyler, Bailey Alexander and Jacob Hunter; Brother, Carl Schukraft of Sarasota, FL; Sisters, Bernadette Wright and Rosemary Martin of Aston, PA; Rena Prior of Sarasota, FL; Several nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, dear friends and his beloved dogs, Roofus and Beavis.

Memorial funeral services for Don will be conducted on Wednesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street.  The Reverend Joseph A. Gandia, his pastor at Beaumont Free Methodist Church, Buck Township, will serve as celebrant and leader of worship.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of Don's family.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of floral tributes, Don's family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in his memory, kindly consider Candy's Place, 190 Welles Street #120, Forty-Fort, PA 18704.

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Mary Pukatch - September 06, 1933 - November 24, 2018

Departed: 11/24/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary (Charnichko) Pukatch.  Mrs. Pukatch fell asleep in the Lord early Saturday morning, November 24, peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Born September 6,1933 in Wilkes-Barre Township, she was the last surviving child of the late Michael and Martha (Dobony) Charnichko.  Mary was educated in the Wilkes-Barre Township schools, and was a life member of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre Township.

In the early 1950s, she would meet and marry her beloved husband Mr. William "Bill" Pukatch, sharing some 62 years of married life together until the time of his passing on January 21, 2015.

From 1955 through 1962 Bill and Mary raised five children, settling in Kingston where they owned and operated the former Paradise Cafe, a tavern and restaurant.  This venture was the foundation for their purchase of a catering business in 1966 in the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre.  This new facility, Paradise Catering, would eventually become the well-known Golden Palace. Mary was instrumental as the administrative assistant and receptionist for the family businesses for many years. Upon the couple's retirement in 1986, they passed the business on to their daughter Gail and son Paul.

The couple also owned and operated various other businesses including West Side Tire, Miners Mills Florist and the Flamingo Motel and Diner in West Nanticoke.

Following their retirement, the couple relocated to Sugarmill Woods in Homosassa Springs, Florida in 1988.  Those who visited their home were always welcomed with open arms, smiles and tight, warm hugs.

Mary is remembered as being a loving, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her adoring family.  She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her beloved husband Bill, Mary was preceded in death by brothers; Charles, Michael (Kelly), John, George, Andrew and Nicholas and by sisters, Elizabeth (Betty), Sr. M. Anastasia, O.S.B. and Helen.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her children, Gail, Mary Ellen, Paul, Diane and Audrey.

Grandchildren, Anthony, Matt, Kelly, Brian and Alexandra; Great-Grandchildren, Sean, Isaac and Anthony; Numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services with Panachida will be conducted on Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street, followed by the Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy at 2:00 p.m. in Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 526 Church Street, Wilkes-Barre Township.

Relatives and friends may join the Pukatch family for visitation and remembrances Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family next to her husband in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas.

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Clement E. Kisailus, Esquire - September 28, 1937 - November 23, 2018

Departed: 11/23/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Local prominent and well-respected attorney, Mr. Clement E. Kisailus Esquire, passed into Eternal Life early Friday morning following a recent illness.

Born on September 28, 1937 in Edwardsville, he was a son to the late Clement Francis and Mary Ann (Zavatsky) Kisailus.  Educated locally, he was a member of the 1956 graduating class of the former Saint Mary's High School, Wilkes-Barre.  Mr. Kisailus then furthered his education towards his vocation by attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 from King's College, Wilkes-Barre.  He later achieved his Juris Doctorate in the study of law from the Seton Hall University School of Law, South Orange, New Jersey in 1963.

It was later that year that he began his career with the law firm of Tom Mack in Wilkes-Barre.  He eventually opened his own practice in Wilkes-Barre, and over the course of his tenure, served as solicitor for several municipal boroughs in the Wyoming Valley.

Professionally, he held membership in the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association.  Proud of his ethnic roots, Attorney Kisailus was also a member of several Lithuanian and Slovak fraternal organizations.

In his spare time, and having a fondness of public speaking, politics and debate, he enjoyed membership in the Toastmasters Club, while following the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies franchises.

Most of all, to those who knew and loved him, he is remembered as being a loving, devoted dad, pop pop and friend to his beloved family who will greatly miss his presence.

Left to mourn his passing while cherishing his memory are his adoring children, Holly Ann Kisailus, Esquire of Wydmoor; Dr. David Kisailus and his wife Fei of Riverside, CA; Laura L. Kisailus and her husband Rodney Johnson of Pittsburgh; his former spouse, W. Lorraine (Sebolka) Kisailus of Wilkes-Barre; Grandchildren, including Cameron Kisailus, Cianna Kisailus, Jacob and Zara Johnson;  Brother, Dr. Edward Kisailus and his wife Judith of Buffalo, NY; Sister, Mrs. Magdalene Radley and her husband Jack of Webster, NY; Several nieces, nephews, professional associates and dear friends.

Funeral services for Attorney Kisailus will be conducted on Monday at 9:00 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 134 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend J. Duane Gavitt, pastor will serve as celebrant and homilist.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Old Route #115, Lehman Township.

Relatives and friends may join the Kisailus family for visitation and remembrances Sunday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary contribution in their father's memory, kindly give consideration to the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) at King's College, 133 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA  18711-0801.

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Daniel J. Kivler - August 07, 1956 - November 06, 2018

Departed: 11/06/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Daniel J. "Danny" Kivler, 62, a resident of Church Road, Nuangola borough of Rice Township, entered into Eternal Life in the comfort of his residence surrounded by his loving family following a prolonged illness.

Born August 7, 1956 in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son to the late Harry and Anna Kivler.  He was educated in the Hanover Area schools and furthered his education by attaining college courses towards his vocation.

Until illness caused his early retirement, Daniel was employed as a heat and frost insulator with Local #38 of Wilkes-Barre where he previously served as an instructor in the union hall's apprentice program.  Prior to that, he worked at the Susquehanna nuclear energy plant in Berwick.

In his spare time, Daniel took pride in tending to his many gardens at the home over the years.  He is remembered as being a loving husband, father, step-father and grand pop who provided for his family.

He and his wife, Suzanne E. Leonard celebrated 22 years of life together on January 11th of this year.

In addition to his parents, Daniel was preceded in death by several sisters and a brother.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Suzanne E. Leonard at home;  the couple's children, including Daniel G. Kivler and his companion Emily Baranowski, at home; Stephen Leonard and his companion Samantha Elmy also at home; Katlynn Leonard and her companion, Michael Siley of Mountain Top; Step-son, Christopher and his companion Brittany of Nanticoke; and Kevin Kivler.  Grandchildren, Max Anthony and Hannah Celia;  A sister, Mrs. Ruth Platt of Tunkhannock; Brother-in-law, Eugene George of the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre;  Several nieces, nephews, fellow union members and dear friends.

Memorial funeral services for Daniel will be conducted on Friday at 4:30 p.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street.

Relatives and friends may join Daniel's family for visitation and remembrances from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.

Danny's family would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff of Celtic Healthcare home hospice for the exceptional care they gave to the entire family in his final days. In lieu of floral tributes, Dan's family would be humbled if those contemplating a monetary donation in his memory, kindly consider  the Mesothelioma Research foundation of America at www.mesorfa.org/support/GiveInMemory.php

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Virginia Andujar - January 10, 1927 - November 03, 2018

Departed: 11/03/2018 (Wilkes-Barre)

Obituary Preview: Mrs. Virginia (Crespo) Andujar, 91, a resident of Forty-Fort, entered into Eternal Life early Saturday morning in the care of River Run Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Kingston following an illness.

Born January 10, 1927 in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, she was a daughter to the late Joaquin and Maria (Rodriguez) Crespo.  She was educated in the Puerto Rican schools prior to her family immigrating to the United States, settling in the Bronx Borough of New York City.

She and her husband, Mr. Alejandro Andujar recently celebrated fifty-six years of married life together.  Later in life, the couple relocated to the Wyoming Valley to be near family in Forty-Fort.

Mrs. Andujar is remembered by those who knew and loved her as being a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother to her adoring family who enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren every opportunity she had.

She was preceded in death by sons, Mr. William Valcarcel, who was killed in the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Mr. Alejandro Andujar on March 27, 2003 and by two sisters.

Left to cherish her memory in addition to her beloved husband Alejandro at home is a daughter, Ana Delia Hernandez of Lewistown, PA; Grandchildren, Lisa Serrano and her husband Alex of Forty-Fort; Melissa Serrano and her husband Jamie of the Bronx and Jason Valcarcel and his wife Janitza also of the Bronx section of New York City; Numerous great-grandchildren; Great-great grandchildren, extended family members and dear friends.

Mrs. Andujar's family would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff of River Run Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the loving care shown in their grandmother's final days.

Funeral services for Mrs. Andujar are scheduled for Friday morning, November 9th in Saint Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church, 3025 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468.  Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Raymond Roman Catholic Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465. Relatives and friends may join Mr. Andujar and his family for visitation and remembrances on Thursday from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Farenga Brothers Inc. Funeral Home, 920 Allerton Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. 10469

The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. of Wilkes-Barre are honored to care for Mrs. Andujar and her family locally at this time.

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A Team of Caring Professionals

The staff at the Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who understand the importance of providing personalized attention to each family they serve. From funeral directors to support staff, every team member is dedicated to ensuring that every detail is meticulously attended to, allowing families to focus on celebrating the life of their loved one. The funeral home's team takes pride in building meaningful relationships with the families they serve, often becoming an integral part of the healing process.

Personalized Funeral Services

The Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home recognizes that every individual is unique, with their own story, personality, and legacy. As such, the funeral home offers a range of personalized funeral services designed to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff will work closely with families to create a customized tribute that reflects the personality, interests, and spirit of their loved one.

Facilities and Amenities

The Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home boasts modern facilities designed to provide comfort and convenience to families during their time of need. The funeral home's spacious chapel can accommodate large gatherings, while its intimate visitation rooms offer a cozy atmosphere for smaller, more personal gatherings. Additional amenities include ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment to ensure that every service is conducted with dignity and respect.

Pre-Planning and Aftercare Support

In addition to providing exceptional funeral services, the Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home also offers pre-planning and aftercare support to families. By pre-planning funeral arrangements, individuals can alleviate some of the burden from their loved ones while ensuring that their final wishes are respected. The funeral home's aftercare program provides ongoing support and resources to families as they navigate the grieving process, including counseling services, support groups, and online resources.

Community Involvement and Outreach

The Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home is deeply committed to giving back to the community it serves. Through various outreach programs and community initiatives, the funeral home seeks to educate and support individuals on topics related to end-of-life care, bereavement, and mental health. By partnering with local organizations and healthcare providers, the funeral home aims to promote awareness, understanding, and compassion throughout the community.

A Legacy of Trust and Compassion

For generations, the Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home has been a beacon of hope and comfort for families in times of need. With its rich history, compassionate staff, and commitment to excellence, this esteemed funeral home continues to earn the trust of those it serves. Whether you're planning ahead or seeking immediate assistance, the Wilkes-Barre Heights Location funeral home stands ready to provide guidance, support, and compassion during life's most difficult moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their surviving family members, funeral or memorial service details, and any charitable donations in lieu of flowers.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a permanent record of a person's life and legacy.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend writes an obituary, although it can also be written by a funeral home or other organization. In some cases, the deceased person may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, occupation, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, charitable donations, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important information. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 1-2 paragraphs at most.

Can I include photos or other media in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and newspapers allow you to include photos, videos, or other multimedia elements to enhance the tribute. Check with the specific publication or platform for their guidelines.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to inquire about their submission process and guidelines. Some may require a specific format or template, while others may allow you to submit your own writing.

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some may charge a fee based on the length of the obituary or the number of publications it will appear in.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituaries in advance as a way to ensure their story is told accurately and authentically. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life and legacy.

What if I don't have any information about the deceased person's life?

If you're struggling to find information about the deceased person's life, consider reaching out to other family members, friends, or acquaintances who may be able to provide insight. You can also try searching online archives or public records.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased person. Including humorous stories or personal anecdotes can help bring their memory to life and make the tribute more engaging.

How do I handle sensitive or private information in an obituary?

When dealing with sensitive or private information, it's essential to be respectful and considerate of the deceased person's wishes and those of their loved ones. Use discretion when deciding what to include and what to omit.

Can I update or correct an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, yes. Contact the newspaper or online platform where the obituary was published to request changes or corrections. They may have specific procedures for making updates.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time it takes for an obituary to be published varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some may publish immediately, while others may have a delay of several days or weeks.

Can I share an obituary on social media?

Yes! Sharing an obituary on social media can help spread the word quickly and reach a wider audience. Many online platforms provide sharing options or embed codes to make it easy to share on Facebook, Twitter, and other networks.

What if I want to write a more detailed tribute or memoir about the deceased person?

If you have more to say than what fits in a traditional obituary, consider writing a longer tribute or memoir. This can be shared privately with family and friends or published online through various platforms.

Are there any specific formatting or style guidelines for writing an obituary?

While there are no hard-and-fast rules, it's generally recommended to use a clear and concise writing style, avoid jargon or overly technical language, and proofread carefully for errors.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, lyrics, or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the deceased person's personality or interests.

How do I handle multiple marriages or complex family relationships in an obituary?

When dealing with complex family relationships, it's essential to be sensitive and accurate. Consider seeking input from multiple family members to ensure everyone is comfortable with the final version.

What if I'm not sure about certain details in the deceased person's life?

If you're unsure about certain facts or details, it's better to err on the side of caution and omit them rather than risk inaccuracies. You can also try verifying information through other sources or family members.

Can I include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes! Including information about charitable donations or memorial funds can help honor the deceased person's memory and support a good cause.

How do I cope with writing an obituary during a difficult time?

Writing an obituary can be an emotional challenge. Take your time, seek support from loved ones if needed, and remember that this is a way to celebrate the deceased person's life and legacy.

Are there any resources available to help me write an obituary?

Yes! There are many online resources, templates, and guides available to help you write an effective and meaningful obituary. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.