Obituaries

Helen M. Canjar, age 88, formerly of Taylor, fell asleep in the Lord Sunday morning, surrounded by her family. Helen resided at the Mt. Cobb residence of her granddaughter, Sarah Keating and husband, Scott, where Helen had lived the past five months. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Joseph R. Canjar, on Feb. 8, 2004.
Born in Pittstsburgh on Nov. 30, 1927, daughter of the late Elmer and Nora Leonard Graham, Helen worked at Heinz Ketchup and Keystone Cone in Pittstburgh before settling locally. She was employed at TOPPS Chewing Gum Co., before working for the former Taylor Nursing Home.
Of strong Roman Catholic faith, she was a longtime member of the former Immaculate Conception Church in Taylor. A member of the Taylor Senior Citizens, she enjoyed bowling, dancing, playing Po-Ke-No with her grandchildren and an occasional trip to the casino. The matriarch of five generations of family, her greatest joy came while spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be forever missed.
She is survived by six children, Joseph Canjar Jr. and wife, Marge of Fairport, N.Y.; James Canjar and wife, Diane of Madison Twp.; John Canjar and wife, Donna of Dickson City; Nancy Casey and husband, Ron of Taylor; Linda Letica and husband, Anton of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and Bill Canjar of Scranton; a brother, Ray Graham and wife, Florence of Lady Lake, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
Many siblings preceded her in death.
Her family wishes to thank the nursing staff of Traditional Home Health & Hospice for the amazing care taken of Helen throughout her illness, as well as for the comfort provided to her family.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 8:45 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a 9:30 Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Interment will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to Blue Chip Animal Farm Rescue, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.