Obituaries

Helen M. Swanek, age 92, a longtime resident of the Austin Heights section of Old Forge, passed away Thursday evening at home, after an illness. She was preceded in death on August 19, 2009 by her beloved husband of 62 years, the late Chester G. Swanek.
Born in Scranton on April 23, 1926, Helen was the daughter of the late Stanley and Helen Ameika Sokolowski. Educated at West Scranton High School, she worked for Brooks Manufacturing along with her raising her loving daughters.
Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a pillar of the former St. Stanislaus Church in Old Forge, prior to its closure, where she served as an active volunteer in all church functions. She was also a member of the VFW Post #4954 Ladies’ Auxiliary, a volunteer at the former White Eagle Hose Co., and a private duty caterer for all functions from parties to weddings. Passing away peacefully, she will forever be missed by her loved ones.
She is survived by her two adoring daughters, Ann Marie Swanek, at home, and Carol Chiskowski and husband Bill of Mount Cobb; two grandsons, Jeff Chiskowski and wife Lyndsye with their child on the way, Pyper, of Sanston, Virginia, and Brian Chiskowski and wife Sheila of Huntsville, Alabama; two great grandchildren, Abby and Alex Chiskowski; and many nieces and nephews.
Sisters, Irene Sokolowski and Stella Evanitsky, also preceded her in death.
Funeral services, celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Prince of Peace Parish Pastor, were held on Thursday at 11:00AM. Interment followed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Old Forge. Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main Street in Old Forge.