Obituaries

Martha J. (Navich) Vender, R.N., age 94, of Moosic, passed away Saturday evening after a brief stay at Scranton Health Care Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Vender, on July 26, 1971.
Born in Forest City on June 27, 1924, Martha was the daughter of the late William and Mary Kilonsky Navich. A graduate of the former Scranton Technical High School, she began a longtime career in health care after becoming a Registered Nurse through the U.S. Cadet Army Corps.
She worked as an administrator for the Taylor Hospital before retiring as the nursing director of the Scranton State Hospital.
Martha was a devoted mother; amazing cook; and avid reader, especially of Russian history. Her legacy of living life with dignity will live on through generations of her family.
She is survived by her three loving children, Attys. Joseph Vender and wife Mary Beth of Forty Fort, Dr. Robert Vender and wife Lucina of Hummelstown and Mary Lou Gibbons of Pittston; seven grandchildren, Liam and Nial Vender, Stephanie Hales, Jonathan and Robert Vender, Zachary Hill and Luke Gibbons; two great grandchildren, Henry and Victoria Hales; siblings, Frank Navich of Montoursville, John Navich of Dallas, Vincent Navich of Moosic and Marion Peperno of Old Forge; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, Thomas and Paul Navich, also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to extend its gratitude to the entire staffs of both Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Scranton Health Care Center, especially to Jeannie, for their collective care and compassion throughout Martha’s illness. The family would also especially like to thank Wayne Miers, Martha’s devoted caregiver of the past five years, for his kindness, loyalty and love, and also Wayne’s dog, Lady Bear, who brought Martha so much joy.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish, 715 Hawthorne Street in Avoca, to be celebrated by Rev. Philip Sladicka, Pastor. Private burial, St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Forest City. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until Mass. Those wishing to attend the funeral are asked to go directly to church.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.