Skook News Obituaries: February 19th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Born in Pine Knot, Heckshersville, January 24, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Bridget (McAvoy) Purcell.
She was a graduate of the first class from Nativity BVM High School in 1956.
Jean retired as a Clerk form Kings Department store, also working for Cremos and the State of Pennsylvania.
She was a member of St. Matthew the Evangelist RCC and also the former St. Francis, St. Vincent and St. Kieran. She was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and very active in Minersville and Schuylkill County CYO.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 3 sons in infancy; Brother Thomas Purcell; Sisters Kathleen Casey and Ann Marie Foran.
Surviving are her husband of 67 Years Eugene Walacavage; Daughters Michele Walcavage of Portland ME; Chris Murhon and her husband Ray of Pottsville; Maria and her husband Michael Smith of Pottsville; Gene Walcavage and his wife Colleen of Burke, VA; Grandchildren Bridget, Adam, Jessica, Michael, Shannon, Matthew, KY Nick, Clair; Great Grandchildren Ev, Reggie, Lorelei, Gavin, Savannah and Jameson. Nieces and Nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday February 21, 2026 from St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church 539 Sunbury St. Minersville PA 17954. Friends may call from 9:30-11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Born in Pottsville July 24, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Charles H. and Esther L. (Gauntlett) Dando.
She was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School and retired as the Vice President of the Loan Department at the former Union Bank and Trust Co. Together with her husband, she also owned and operated Yakamavage’s Café, New Minersville.
Barbara was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville. She enjoyed gardening and loved babysitting the joys of her life, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid sports fan and the biggest cheerleader at her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was everyone’s favorite “Nan”.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Yakamavage in 1990; a Son, David Yakamavage; Sisters, Nancy Bedway, Dorothy Novack, and infant sister Judy Dando; a Brother, Kevin Dando.
Surviving are her Daughters, Terri Leshko (Charles) and Michele Yakamavage, both of West West Terrace; Grandchildren, Lauren Thompson (Keith), Leah Eichenberg (Garrett); Great- grandchildren, Charlee Thompson, Eli Eichenberg, and Ella Jo Eichenberg; Brothers, Charles Dando Jr. (Jean), Mifflinburg, Richard Dando (Donna), Pottsville, Linda Doyne (William), Georgia, Cheryl Wesnoski, Pottsville, and Terry Dando, Schuylkill Haven; Brothers-in-Law, Albert Bedway, Manheim, and Bernard Novack, Michigan; Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made to Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 Randolf St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203. Dutcavich Funeral Home & Cremation Care Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Patricia A. Schaeffer, 83, of Auburn, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 18th, at home surrounded by her family, after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Salamanca, NY on September 18, 1942, a daughter of the late Dorothy (Blackshake) and Walter Jimerson.
She was the widow of Richard D. "Dick" Schaeffer who died in 2011.
She was a 1960 graduate of Salamanca High School and was formerly employed at Alpha Mills.
She was a member of Faith UCC, Landingville and the Landingville Fire Co.
She is survived by four children: Luanne Columbo, wife of Bret, Auburn, Karyn Owens, wife of Keith, Auburn, Steve "Chief" Schaeffer, Schuylkill Haven, & David Schaeffer, husband of Kim; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
In addition to her husband, she is also preceded in death by her siblings: Geraldine Fenstermacher, Tessie Snow, & Lester Jimerson.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc. on Tuesday, February 24 at 11 am with Pastor Jim Fidler officiating.
A visitation for family and friends will be held prior from 9:30 am until the time of the service.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc, Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
