Mary E. Bonczewski departed her loving family Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.
Mary was born in Carbondale, Sept. 12, 1949, to Anna and John Rames.
Mary graduated from Lakeland High School and Marywood University with a degree in education. While working at Penn State Worthington Campus for Public Information Department, she met the love of her life, Peter Bonczewski. Shortly after their marriage in 1974, they entered the service of our country in the U.S. Navy. Mary was a proud Navy wife and worked as an editor of the Navy Wives Newsletter for the U.S.S. Saratoga. Mary later taught in the Cranston, Rhode Island School District before returning to NEPA. She worked for Berkheimer for many years before retiring from the Social Security Administration DOC after 19 years of dedicated service.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Peter; daughter and number one, Dollie Dawn Marie Saro and husband, Jason; and son, Christopher and companion, Jill. The apple of her eyes were her grandchildren, Lyra, Ellery and Chance. Aside from doting on her grandchildren, Mary is survived by her sisters, Rose and Ray Pantess; Anna and Chuck Hoyle; and Cathy Maijala. She has many nieces, nephews and adopted children who will miss her dearly.
Mary was preceded in death by her son, Peter Jr.; as well as her parents.
Mary was a 10-year breast cancer survivor and kidney transplant recipient. She was a member of the St. George/St. Anthony’s Maronite Church, where many enjoyed hearing her sing in the Saturday choir for the last four decades. She was also a member of the St. Theresa Sodality. Mary’s heart was dedicated to St. Theresa Little Flower and her novena, St. Padre Pio, the blessed mother and reminded us all to “Trust in God.”
Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, watching her grandchildren grow, singing in the choir, gardening, swimming, baking, sewing, decorating and coloring. She was most proud of her holiday traditions, including her Pysanky eggs at Easter time.
Mary had a magnetic personality. All who knew her felt her love both in her words and her incredible warm hugs. She was the most generous and kind-hearted person, especially when her children came home and asked if their friends could live with them. Which she kindly obliged and welcomed all with open arms. Mary was “everyone’s mom” when they were in her presence. She loved to laugh and returned the favor by bringing joy to others. She was spunky and had a flair for fashion and was also the most selfless and spiritual human being. Mary was able to be stern when required, but also so gentle and loving at the same time. We will greatly miss her bright smiling eyes, her genuine and honest words of wisdom, but most of all the comfort from her hugs.
Friends and relatives may share in a visitation with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. Friends and relatives may also attend a gathering at 10 a.m. Saturday from the funeral home. Following the gathering, a Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony’s Maronite Church, 311 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
In lieu of flowers, please consider registering as a bone marrow donor and organ donor.
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