Obituaries

Joan C. Kakareka, age 81, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Wednesday at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was preceded in death in 2005 by her beloved husband of 53 years, Chester P. Kakareka, Sr.
Born on New Year’s Day, 1935, daughter of the late Herman and Cecelia Klein Weller, Joan was a graduate of the former St. Mary of the Assumption High School in South Scranton. For many years prior to retirement, she worked at Sequoit Silk Mill. After retirement and prior to illnes, she served as the secretary for Little Peoples Day Care School.
A former member of the Red Hats Society, she enjoyed bowling, bingo and taking trips to Atlantic City. She will be forever missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by two children, Joan Godfrey and husband Ronald, Jr., of Charleroi, and Eugene Kakareka, Sr., and wife Barbara of Scranton; two siblings, Sister Bernadette Weller, Society of Sisters of Christian Charity, Denville, New Jersey, and George Weller of Madisonville; eight grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A son, Chester P. Kakareka, Jr.; and siblings, Gertrude Messner, Ruth Weller and Edmund Weller, Sr., also preceded her in death.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 6:00PM at Nativity of Our Lord Church at St. John Neumann Parish, 633 Orchard Street, Scranton.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, with appreciation to the amazing staff of Linwood Center, Joan’s family asks that memorial contributions be made to Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s Recreational Activities’ Fund, 100 Lynwood Ave., Scranton, Pa., 18505.