Patricia A. Marks, 71, of Wilkes-Barre passed away at home on December 26th. She
was the daughter of the late Leonard Marks and the late Amelia “Millie” Marks of
Hanover Twp.
She is survived by her brother, Michael Marks of Duryea and his spouse
Paula, and her sister Elaine (Marks) Charles and her spouse, Kevin, of Dover, NH, two
nieces and one nephew.
Pat was a 1971 graduate of Hanover High School, and earned an Associate’s degree in
Social Science from Luzerne County Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in
Sociology from King’s College, and a Master’s degree in Human Services
Administration from Misericordia University. She retired in 2015 as a Care Manager
with the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging, and was previously employed by
United Rehabilitation Services, Children’s Service Center, First Hospital Wyoming
Valley, Goodwill Industries, and Act One Group Home for Adjudicated and Dependent
Youth. Pat was a member of Restored Church, Wilkes-Barre.
One of Pat’s highest passions in life was her love of animals; she was a steadfast and
tireless advocate for animal rights. In 1981 she co-founded Justice for Animals, the first
animal rights group in the area. Pat was also an accomplished guitarist/vocalist, playing
at various bar and restaurant venues throughout the region, and at peace/justice
engagements.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date with interment in St. Mary’s Lithuanian
Catholic cemetery in Wanamie, PA. Memorial contributions, if desired, should go to Haven to
Home Canine Rescue (haventohome.org), where Pat got her beloved dog, Frodo (who is now in
a very good new home).
Condolences(2)-
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Betsy K says
January 2, 2025 at 2:33 pmI remember Pat so fondly from our careers at Aging, which overlapped by more than a decade. She was a lovely, caring and compassionate person and I enjoyed seeing her letters to the editor championing animal causes. My condolences to her family and friends.
silvie pomicter says
January 4, 2025 at 4:36 pmThe animals have lost their best friend. Pat was a very kind-hearted person, especially for animals. She was a devoted animal rights activist for more than 40 years. She was dedicated to ending animal suffering whether it be in the fur, meat, circus, animal experimentation industry, etc. Pat. organized and participated in numerous anti-fur protests, anti-circus protests, and anti-rodeo protests, and many more.
She was also an avid letter to editor writer, educating readers how animals are exploited, and what they can do to end animal suffering. She also educated readers on environmental issues.
Pat loved all animals, but her favorite were elephants. She always wore elephant necklaces, earrings, t-shirts. She gave me a couple of elephant purses for gifts.
She encouraged the spaying and neutering of pets and would pay for the sterilization of local feral cats, feed and helped them in any way she could.
Pat and I worked together for many years on animal issues. I am deeply saddened by her loss. The animals and I will miss her. Our hearts are broken.
Pat, the animals and I love you.