Obituaries

Shirley L. Ponkevitch, age 85, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Monday evening at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she recently resided. She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Peter Ponkevitch, on April 20, 1983. Born on April 27, 1929, daughter of the late Robert and Frieda Plageman Dommes, Shirley was a graduate of the former Scranton Technical High School. Before raising her daughters, she worked at William’s Bakery. She then worked for Sears and Roebuck before spending forty years prior to her retirement in the administrative department of Physicians Health Alliance.
A longtime active member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in South Scranton, she served on the church’s board of education while teaching Sunday School for many years.
She is survived by her two daughters, Elaine Ceccacci and husband David, and Suzanne Verespey and husband Joseph, all of Scranton; two grandsons, Craig and Ryan Ceccacci; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, Louis and Herman Dommes; and sisters, Emma Dallolio, Amelia Pesotine, Eleanor Dommes and Mabel Hiller, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to Shirley’s dearest friend, Gloria Boock; Dr. Phillip Boccagno, M.D.; and the entire staff of Linwood Nursing Center for all of the care, kindness and love given to Shirley throughout the years.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 10:00AM in the Trinity United Church of Christ, 541 Beech St, Scranton, 18505, to be conducted by Rev. Harrison Putnam, Pastor. Interment will follow at Abington Hills Cemetery, South Abington Twp.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 5-7:00PM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to her church, Trinity U.C.C., 541 Beech Street, Scranton, PA, 18505.