Loretta Joseph Punko, 95, of Wilson and McCarragher Streets, Wilkes Barre, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 27th.
Loretta was born July 18th, 1929, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Charles and Elizabeth (George) Joseph, where she lived until she was 12 years old before moving to Wilkes Barre. Loretta was immensely proud of her Oklahoma Sooner roots and loved to tell stories of her time there where she helped her Daddy at his bar-b-que stand on Route 66.
Loretta moved to the “Hill” in Wilkes-Barre and enjoyed her time with family and friends. She was a proud 1947 graduate of G.A.R. High School. As described in her yearbook, “She is neat and honest and gentle. And one that is your friend.” She participated in many clubs but was most proud of her time playing clarinet in the orchestra. You would often hear her brag about her four blue ribbons in track, and she would challenge anyone to a race.
Loretta married Nick, the love of her life, in 1954 and they spent almost 70 years together before Nick’s passing in April 2024. They found great joy dancing the jitterbug and spending polka weekends with friends in the Catskills. She enjoyed circle-a-word and playing cards and would challenge anyone who walked in the house to a game of double solitaire. Loretta loved chocolate and Werthers and would kindly offer you some for your enjoyment.
Loretta was an active and proud member of St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Church and served as a member of the Alter and Rosary Society, typed the weekly bulletin, and helped with the yearly bazaar. She worked at the Wyoming Valley Hospital, NPW and Geisinger before retiring, making lifelong friends along the way.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Nick; parents; son, Nick; and siblings Freda Doyle and Marion Dalkiewicz.
Loretta is survived by her daughters, Beth, Lita, and Amy (Bob); grandchildren Mackenzie Watkins (Brian), Kendra Malinovitch (Mark), Nicole Punko and Joshua Andrejko; great-grandchildren, Gabriella McElhattan (Noah), Adeline Malinovitch, Destiny Tolbert, Darnell and Danayjha Moore; great-great-grandchildren, Zayvion and Zakai; and loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call Tuesday, April 1st from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mamary – Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre. Funeral services will begin Wednesday, April 2nd at 9:30am at the funeral home followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anthony/St Geroge Maronite Church, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will conclude in St Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
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