Skook News Obituaries: October 18th, 2025
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
------------------------------------------
.jpg)
She was born July 20, 1961, a daughter of the late Donald F., Sr. and Anne Buckley McGovern.
Mary graduated from Pottsville Area High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Albright College in Reading, PA. She furthered her education at the University of Pittsburgh, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in international relations and a Master of Science in energy resources engineering. Her career was marked by significant contributions and achievements. Mary worked at Westinghouse Electric’s Nuclear Division from 1985 to 1994.
In 1995, Mary and Majid moved to Houston, where their sons were born. While raising her family, Mary was an active member of her community, focusing on education, community service and youth sports. She served as president of membership for the Katy Taylor High School PTA, served eight years on the Green Trails Swim Team Board of Directors, was a dedicated board member of the Arc of Katy and managed the Power Aquatics swim team. She also served as the ATSP Office Manager from 2022 to 2025.
Her personal interests were diverse and reflected her vibrant personality. She was actively involved in charitable organizations, enjoyed participating in book clubs, and had a passion for playing music, painting, gardening, and crocheting.
Mary will be remembered for her wicked laugh, her smile, wit, generosity and kindness. Her legacy is cherished by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Majid Al-Sharif, and their sons Zachary (Samantha) and Tariq, as well as her siblings, Donald F. McGovern, Jr., and his wife Susan Bennett, David McGovern, Robert J. McGovern and his wife Suzanne, extended family, and countless friends. Her life was enriched by her pets, Benzy and Taco.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Saturday, Nov 1st at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10-11AM at the church. Interment will follow mass in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
Arrangements are under the care of James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville.
-------------------------------------
Born in Shenandoah on November 14, 1933, she was the daughter of the late August and Mary (Grodecki) Mirocke.
During her lifetime, Madeline was a member of the Polish Ladies Social Club, the Glovers Hill Ladies Auxiliary, the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens, and a volunteer for the Hookies Fire Company during the bingo games at their annual block party.
Besides her parents, she was preceded by her late husband, John Buchinsky, her 3 brothers- Greg, Louis, and Joseph Mirocke, her daughter-in-law- Mary Lou Buchinsky, and her 2 son-in-law’s- Michael Pribish and Hank Faleski.
Her surviving family includes her 2 sons- John Buchinsky and James Buchinsky with his wife Eileen, her 2 daughters- Julie Buchinsky and Joann Pribish, her 5 grandchildren- John Buchinsky, Jillian Buchinsky Onisick, James Buchinsky, Mark Buchinsky, and Zachary Pribish, along with 3 great-grandsons- JT Onisick, JJ Onisick, and Jack Buchinsky, and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd from 8 to 10am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah and will be officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. Burial will follow in the Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madeline’s memory may be made to either: Divine Mercy Parish or the Shenandoah Free Public Library.
-------------------------------------
Andy was the beloved husband of Sandy (Heberling) and dad of Jamie (Missy) and his pride and joy grandsons, Asher and Brody, Long Neck DE.
Andy was the son of Andrew and Isabel (Didjunas) Palokas.
Andy graduated from Pottsville High school in 1959 where he was a standout basketball player.
Following graduation from high school, Andy served in the US Navy having been assigned to the USS Lindenwald following basic training. Upon discharge from the Navy, Andy began his career in textiles with Lady VanHueson in Philadelphia. He returned to Port Carbon to work at Pottsville Bleach and Dye where he became plant manager. Most recently he was employed as a court attendant with the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Following graduation from high school, Andy served in the US Navy having been assigned to the USS Lindenwald following basic training. Upon discharge from the Navy, Andy began his career in textiles with Lady VanHueson in Philadelphia. He returned to Port Carbon to work at Pottsville Bleach and Dye where he became plant manager. Most recently he was employed as a court attendant with the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Andy also attended Penn State University while working.
Andy was involved in his community having served on Port Carbon Borough Council. During his tenure he was instrumental in the update at Francis Lubinsky Playground. Andy was also involved in Jamie’s sports, including his coaching Port Carbon Little League, and serving as a trustee for the Schuylkill County Jr. Golf program. He was involved in the Port Carbon Cub Scout Program. Andy was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee on the administrative board.
Andy was involved in his community having served on Port Carbon Borough Council. During his tenure he was instrumental in the update at Francis Lubinsky Playground. Andy was also involved in Jamie’s sports, including his coaching Port Carbon Little League, and serving as a trustee for the Schuylkill County Jr. Golf program. He was involved in the Port Carbon Cub Scout Program. Andy was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee on the administrative board.
Andy is also survived by a sister, Victoria Oettl, brothers Norman (Martha) and Ed (Cathy), daughters Pamela (Mark) Imler and Missy (Ed) Hahner. In addition to his parents, Andy was predeceased by son, Scott.
Funeral arrangements will be private. Interment will be at Ft. Indiantown Gap. Donations in Andy’s memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 223 Pike St. Port Carbon PA 17965.
-------------------------------------
These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
