Monday, August 2, 2021

Skook News Obituaries: August 2nd, 2021

                                                                                                                                                                                           

Skook News Obituaries:  August 2nd, 2021

Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.

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Michael Seritsky
, a dear friend to all, 74, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Sunday, August 1st, at Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest, Allentown.

Michael was born in Morea, PA on October 4, 1946, a son of the late Eva (Puka) and Michael Seritsky.

He graduated from Mahanoy Area High School Class of 1965.

He was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church Mahanoy City.

He served in the U.S. Air Force.

He had worked for Yalena in natural gas construction.

He was the husband of Mary Ann (Yudinsky) Seritsky.

Michael is also survived by two daughters, Tracy De Avila, of Catawissa;

Kimberly Perez, of Shenandoah; a son, Michael Seritsky, of Mahanoy City; and by

four sisters, Dolores Miller, of Mahanoy City; Pat Perry, of Mahanoy City; Sandy Kahely, of Mahanoy City; Paula Potzner, of Hazleton, two brothers, Thomas, of Frackville; John, of Frackville.

He is also survived by 4 Grandchildren who were the center of his world-Jasmine, Courtney, Lilian, and Marisa; 1 Great Grandchild Myla; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by sisters Diane Lesser and Mary O'Neil, and Debbie Sendatch.

Office of Christian Burial and Divine Liturgy at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, at 11 AM on Thursday, August 5th, with Rev. James Carroll officiating.

Friends and family may call Wednesday 6 to 9 PM and Thursday 9 AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

Interment at St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery Mahanoy City, PA.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, send sympathy cards, or view Video Tribute.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved daughter, Tracy L. Schaeffer, 49, of Pine Grove, on Thursday, July 29, 2021 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.

Born on October 27, 1971 in Lebanon, she was the only daughter of Guy (Jack) and Candace (Keesey) Schaeffer, Jr. of Pine Grove.

She was a 1989 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School and attended Penn State Schuylkill.

Tracy was a Bookkeeper for Quick Pickens, Pine Grove before starting her career at Guilford Mills, Pine Grove.

She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Her infectious smile, beautiful blue eyes and radiant soul always shined so brightly. The many who loved her will be guided the way by her heavenly presence and bright light daily. She will be deeply missed by many.

Tracy was a huge lover of animals and undertook that deep affection for all life seriously everyday in every way.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Marion Schaeffer and George and Helen Keesey, two aunts, Cheryl D. (Keesey) Hammond and Patricia (Schaeffer) Gilbert.

She leaves behind her parents, a daughter Desiree Hummel of Harrisburg; four grandchildren; a brother Chad M. Schaeffer and his companion Mary Beth of Pottsville; a grandfather Guy W. (Jack) Schaeffer, Sr. of Pine Grove; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends; and her companion, Wayne Witmer of Pine Grove and his daughter Trinitee.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 222 S. Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove with SALM John Ziegler officiating. There will be a visitation on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 9:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the Church. Interment will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Pine Grove.

The family 's consolation is that she is no longer in pain and would prefer contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or Penn State Cancer Research c/o University Development P.O. Box 852 Hershey, PA 17033, in her memory.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Bernard Joseph Motika, 77, of West Penn Township, died on Friday, July 30, 2021, in Pottsville, PA. He was the husband of Betteann (nee Whetstone) Motika with whom he would have celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary in August. 

Born in Tuscarora, PA on May 21, 1944, Bernard was a son of the late John and Mary (nee Fabian) Motika. A 1962 graduate of Marian High School, he served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Bernard worked for Diversified Metals and retired from Bethlehem Mines. He was a member of the Tamaqua American Legion. 

In addition to his wife, Betteann, Bernard is survived by children, William Coombe and Wendy Beth Motika; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Joseph; and sister, Kathryn. He was predeceased by 9 siblings. 

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Barbara Kay Dardas, 76, lifelong resident of Coaldale, PA died on Sunday, August 1, 2021, in Bethlehem, PA. She was the wife of the late Joseph E. Dardas to whom she had been married 39 years when he in died in December 2003. 

Born in Coaldale on October 18, 1944, Barbara was a daughter of the late Benjamin and Margaret (Pascoe) Williams. A 1962 graduate of the former Coaldale High School, she attended the Humboldt Institute in Minnesota. Barbara had been an employee in the Medical Records Department of the former Gnaden Huetten Hospital, Lehighton, PA for many years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Coaldale. Described as a “sweetheart” by many, Barbara was very witty and had a fun personality. She enjoyed shopping at Boscov’s and making trips to Lancaster, was an avid Notre Dame and Miami Dolphins fan, and loved her dog, Bella. 

Barbara is survived by son, Dave Dardas and his wife Jennifer of Allentown, PA; daughter, Jennifer Dardas of Coaldale; granddaughter, Jordan Dardas of Allentown; several nephews and nieces including Michael Weston, Margie Weston, and Mark Weston. She was predeceased by an infant son, Joey Dardas and sister, Connie Weston. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 6, 2021, at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Kevin Roberts officiating. 

Interment in Sky View Memorial Park will follow the service. Call 10-11 AM on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials in her name may be made to Carbon County Animal Shelter, 63 Broad Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Please be reminded that if you are unvaccinated, masks are requested and if you are fully vaccinated, masks are at your discretion. 

Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Lori Lehman
, 60, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, August 1st, at her residence.

Born in Montgomery County, on March 15, 1961, a daughter of Mary Ann (Guers) and Theron Wesley Boyer, of Friedensburg.

She was the wife of Dean R. Lehman.

She was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School and then attended business school. She was currently employed by the Schuylkill County Courthouse in the custody department.

She was a member of Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by her children Amber Lehman and Josh Lehman both of Schuylkill Haven and Katrina Lehman, Mississippi; brothers James Boyer husband of Jennifer, Auburn and Robert Boyer, Schuylkill Haven; and a sister Deborah Babb wife of Steve, Pine Grove.

Lori is preceded in death by infant twins Lindsay and Lacey Lehman and a sister Christa Fegley.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 5th at Bethesda Evangelical Congregational Church of Reedsville, Schuylkill Haven with Rev. Jeffrey Byerly officiating.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 10 am until the time of the service at the Church.

Interment will follow at Reedsville Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.

At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Unite for Her, 127 East Chestnut Street, West Chester, PA 19380.

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Nancy Reese
, 81, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Sunday, August 1st, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Born in St. Clair, on September 29, 1939, a daughter of the late Agnes (Jones) and John "Jack" Reese.

She was formerly active at Bethlehem Baptist, St Clair and attended First United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Orwigsburg Chapter. She was a past worthy matron of the former Kalmia Chapter, St. Clair. She also belonged to Delta Kapa Gama, Welsh Citizen of the Year; Sch. Haven BPW, NEAPSEA and PASR. She was very dedicated to her Welsh heritage and loved music and traveling.

She was a graduate of St. Clair High School and then Kutztown University where she received her Bachelors and Masters in Education. She was employed by the Schuylkill Haven School district as a teacher for 37 years.

Nancy is survived by many cousins including Carol Ann Homovich wife of John, Pearl Boris, Richard Jones husband Janet, David Jones husband of Valerie, Virginia Reese and Charles Davenport husband of Helga and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 4 at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona at 11 am with Pastor Jack Murray officiating.

A viewing for family and friends will be held prior from 10 am until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery, St. Clair.

At the family's request, memorial donations may be forwarded to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886.

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Christine M. Oakum
, 68, Girardville, passed away peacefully Sunday at Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.

Born in Shamokin she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Slavinskie Dumchock.

She was a devout member of Assumption B.V.M. Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Centralia and a member of the LAOH, Girardville.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas L. Oakum in 2018, a son Francis and a brother Conrad Dumchock.

Christine is survived by four sons; Sean ( Robyn ) Oakum, Bloomsburg, Stephen Oakum, Valley View, Craig ( Marci ) Moorestown. NJ and Brian Oakum, Danville, her grandson Robert Oakum and a sister Sandy Forbes also by nieces and nephews.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Assumption B.V.M Church, Centralia, with Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Viewing will be in the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions, in Christine's name, to either the church or veterans organization of your preference.

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Linda L. Sterner, 59, of Black Heath, passed away early Wednesday at home after her battle with cancer.

Born in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Jean Dalton Wood.

She was a graduate of Pottsville High School. She worked as a clerk at the Craft Haus, on the Pottsville-Minersville Highway, She was of the Protestant Faith. Linda was well known in the community, especially for many years working at the “Beer Shak” and “Craft haus” where she got to know and enjoy many customers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother Benjamin Wood.

She is survived by her husband of whom they just celebrated their 40th year anniversary together, Edward M Sterner; a son Edward Jr. and wife Kim of Buck Run; a daughter Jennifer Sterner, Pottsville and their beloved dog Rocky. She also leaved behind 5 grandchildren who she loved dearly, Camron, Christopher, Aaliyah, Andrew and Deon; also a sister Laura Wood.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11AM at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St. Minersville. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 9AM until the time of the service. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer remembrances of Linda be in the form of contributions to the Family to honor Linda’s wish. Contributions will be accepted by the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Linda’s, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com

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