Thursday, April 23, 2020

Skook News Obituaries for 04/22/2020


Skook News Obituaries for 04/22/2020

Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.

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Jane Frances O’Brien, 76, of Minersville, passed away on Tuesday at ManorCare.

Born on March 4, 1944 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of Regina Helen O’Brien Bassininsky, Pottsville, and the late Peter Supko. She attended Nativity B.V.M. High School, and was a CNA for many years. She was of the Catholic faith.

Jane enjoyed taking care of family (especially cooking for them). She was a phenomenal cook, baker and home maker. Jane had a passion for the beach and thoroughly enjoyed her trips to Virginia Beach to visit her daughter, Judy Withelder Sullivan. Jane will leave her family and friends lasting memories of all the family gatherings she loved so much.

She was predeceased by her former husband James Albert Withelder; two brothers James D. O’Brien and Kenneth Bassininsky Sr.

She is survived by three children, Judy (Withelder) Sullivan and son-in-law, Daniel Sullivan Jr, Virginia, James R. Withelder and daughter-in-law, Patricia Withelder, Minersville, and Christine M. Withelder, Saint Clair; two siblings, Edward Bassininsky and wife, Barbara, Llewellyn, and Lisa Bassininsky and her companion, Elmer Strausser, Branchdale; six grandchildren, David S. Bush, Heckscherville, Brittany A. Bush, St.Clair, Joshua Withelder, Mahanoy City, Jessica Withelder, Minersville, Crystal Withelder, Mahanoy City, and Lance Withelder, Philadelphia; nine great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express its gratitude for the kindness and caring from the staff at ManorCare, Pottsville, and Compassus Hospice Care who provided extra special care to Jane in her final years.

The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Saturday from 5:00 P.M. Visitation will end promptly at 7:00 P.M. Visitors are expected to follow CDC and PADOH guidelines regarding wellness and social distancing. Private services for the immediate family will follow visitation. Donations to Judy Sullivan will be accepted at the funeral home to be used in accordance with the wishes of the family.
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David William Thye, 79, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away on Sunday afternoon, April 19th, at Orwigsburg Manor, Orwigsburg.

Born in Oakland, CA, on April 30, 1940, he was the son of the late Charles and Agnes Thye.

David was a very dedicated serviceman, having served over 20 years of active duty and retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. He served two tours in Vietnam as a radio telegraph operator and repairman. Through his years of service, he received many awards and accommodations.

After retiring from the Marines, David worked as a computer programmer.

He was a member of St. Patrick R.C.C, Pottsville, the Navy Club, American Legion, VFW, and the Knights of Columbus.

David is survived by his wife, Susan, to whom he was married 54 years; and three children: James of Schuylkill Haven, Carolyn of Ossining, NY, and Sr. Mary Raymond, of Nashville, TN, and three sisters: Davella, Rosemary and Diane, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Patrick R.C.C. on April 21st with Fr. Edward Connelly officiating and interment thereafter was held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

The family request contributions in David’s memory to be sent to: St. Patrick’s Memorial Fund, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.lordbixler.com

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Cynthia A. Smith, 66 of Lehighton, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at St. Luke's Hospital- Lehighton.

Born Tuesday, January 5, 1954 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Orville Wehr and the late Gladys Miller Wehr, who passed away January 28, 2020. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Wehr.

Cynthia was the wife of David R. Smith for 44 years. Along with her husband David, she is survived by sons, Jeremy D. Smith and his wife, Vanessa of Lehighton, Jarrod S. Smith and his companion Nicole Mertz of Lehighton, and daughter, Jessica L. Smith of Lehighton. She is also survived by brothers, Ronald J. Wehr and his wife, Maggie, Terry A. Wehr and his wife, Cathy, and Orville C. Wehr; sister, Viv A. Wehr; 5 grandchildren: McKenna, Wyatt, Chase, Kailyn, and Clayton.

Cynthia was a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School as well as the practical nursing program from Carbon County Vocational-Technical School. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Gnaden Huetten Hospital in Lehighton for 38 years. She was an active member of Ben Salem United Church of Christ where she was in charge of the flower sponsors for many years.

Cynthia’s greatest joy was spending time with family and especially her grandchildren. She loved being outside and taking evening walks with the dogs. She spent many years gardening and caring for her plants and flowers. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sharing the meals with her family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert S. Nester Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc. 2066 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, PA 17960 570-386-5884.

In accordance with CDC precautions for the public during the pandemic, the family will hold a Memorial Service at a future date to be determined when restrictions have been lifted to allow family and friends to gather and honor Cynthia.

Memorials in her name can be sent to:

Ben Salem United Church of Christ
PO Box 128
Andreas, PA 18211

OR

The Animal Shelter of Carbon County
63 Broad Street
Nesquehoning, PA 18240

To share a fond memory of Cynthia or offer condolences to the family, please visit www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.