Connie J. Guesto July 2, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we share the passing on July 2, 2025 of Connie our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter—a faithful servant of God whose life was a shining testimony of love, faith, and kindness.

Connie’s journey on this earth, despite any health issue, was marked by unwavering devotion to her faith, inspiring all who knew her with her gentle spirit and steadfast trust in God’s plan. Her days were filled with acts of compassion, grace, and selfless service, reflecting the boundless love she carried in her heart. She was a beacon of hope and a source of comfort to our family and everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Connie was born in 1945 and graduated from E. L. Meyers High School. She was a Telephone Operator with Tasco Answering Service in Wilkes-Barre, during her early work career, before accepting a position as an Operator with NPW/Geisinger in 1982. She was pleased to “take calls” there until her retirement 42 years later in March of 2024. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Ann Jackson, and husband Sam. Surviving is her daughter JoAnn (George) Third, son Sam Jr. (Jennifer), sisters Beverly Benis, Judy Smith and Cathy Jackson, Grandchildren Michael and Mark (Megan) Calore, Stella, Samantha and Sophia Guesto, and many nieces and nephews.

Connie was a lifelong member of First Church of Christ in Wilkes-Barre, which was incorporated into Living Hope Bible Church several years ago. She considered her church family and extension of her own family. Pastor Mark and the Elders, as well as the congregation, were a great source of spiritual support during her recent illness.
As a mother, she was the nurturing foundation of our family, providing wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her warm smile and comforting presence created a sanctuary of peace and security for her children and grandchildren. Gramma Connie always welcomed her grandchildren with loving open arms, a testament of how deeply she cared for them and them for her. Her beautiful smile and laugh resonated through our lives, reminding us daily of the beauty in simple joys.

Her role as a sister, aunt, and daughter was marked by loyalty, kindness, and an enduring sense of family. She cherished those relationships, fostering bonds that spanned generations, and leaving behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue to inspire us all.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in knowing that she is now in the eternal embrace of our Lord and Savior, where pain and sorrow are no more. We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives—a true angel on earth, now resting in the arms of divine peace.

May her soul find eternal rest, and may her legacy of faith, love, and humility serve as a guiding light for us all. Until we meet again, we hold her memory close in our hearts, forever grateful for the blessing of having had her in our lives.

Rest in peace, dearest Connie. You are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Visitation will be held at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, on Monday July 7th from 4-6 pm with a Celebration of Life at 10am on Tuesday, July 8th at Living Hope Bible Church, Corner of Carey Avenue and Horton Street, Wilkes-Barre. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Tuesday morning for the funeral.

Those desiring, may make donations in her name to Living Hope Bible Church, 484 Carey Avenue Wilkes-Barre PA 18702.