Skook News Obituaries: March 6th, 2026
Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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As a child, Mae was an accomplished violinist. She worked for several years at Kaska Manufacturing in Kaska and also served as a nurse’s aide at the former Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, PA, under the supervision of the Sisters of Charity. Her primary profession, however, was as a beautician. Over the years, she owned and operated beauty shops in Auburn, New Philadelphia, and Easton.
Like many women of her generation, Mae enjoyed baking, canning—especially making jelly and jam—and sewing. She took classes to learn how to create her own dress patterns and was often asked by family and friends to do alterations and to make clothes for special events including many Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. In the culmination of her work, her skill with a needle and thread extended to making her goddaughter’s wedding gown. Gentle, quiet, and compassionate, Mae and her husband were known for making visitors— including Barbara’s childhood friends—feel like part of their family. Mae and Elvin also enjoyed visiting casinos together. She loved to play cards and was still winning most games while teaching others new card games at “104”. Mae was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Middleport.
Mae is survived by a daughter, Barbara Kaunas and her husband James of Deer Lake; a granddaughter, Amy Kaunas of Harrisburg; a grandson Jason Kaunas and his wife Zeynep of Dover, Delaware; and four great-grandchildren, Evan Kaunas, Lauren Kaunas-Madeira, Jack Kaunas and Yaz Kaunas; foster grandchildren Paiden and Hailee; several nieces and nephews including niece Nancy Ulsh of Schuylkill Haven and nephew and Godson David Whalen of Virginia; and Goddaughter Janice Miklesavage of Allentown. She was predeceased by her husband, Elvin; her parents; two brothers, William, and Raymond Brensinger; and two sisters, Grace Brick and Catherine Whalen.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Mae’s name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church – Middleport PA, c/o Kathy Kenesky, 642 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.
Arrangements are entrusted to Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.
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Obituaries from the past 7 Days
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These obituaries are being brought to by Mark J. Hummel Funeral Home, Frackville
