Obituaries

Vera (Ventanni) Marquard, age 93, a lifelong Old Forge resident, passed away Wednesday. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Wilbert (Bill) R. Marquard, on October 20, 2010.
Born on September 30, 1925, and daughter of the late Luigi and Teresa Marzolini Ventanni whom Vera took care of for many years, Vera was the valedictorian of her Old Forge High School graduating class. She then studied sciences at Keystone Junior College before serving as a medical assistant for several local physicians. For many years prior to her retirement, she worked in the lab for the former Mercy Hospital of Scranton. She also served as a longtime member of the Stewart United Memorial Church in Old Forge.
An amazing cook of all Italian foods, her family will never forget holiday dinners spent at her home. She and her husband were extensive travelers, especially throughout Europe, while spending winters at their house in Daytona Beach, Florida, and summers at their Mountain Lake house in Thornhurst, always with Bill by her side.
Now reunited with her husband, parents and siblings, Vera will forever be missed.
She is survived by her nephew and caregivers, Anthony and wife Marge Freda of Archbald; her great nephews and great niece, Dr. Anthony Freda and wife Tammy of Clarks Summit, William Freda of Somerset, N.J., Russell Ventanni of Wyoming, Todd, Jeffrey and Lisa Ventanni, all of Chicago, Illinois.; and great-great nieces and great-great nephew, Anthony E., Alexis and Alyssa Freda.
Her siblings, Angelo Ventanni, Sr., Josephine Freda and Claire Ventanni; and a nephew, Angelo Ventanni, Jr., also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to thank the amazing staff of Elmcroft Senior Living in Peckville who not only treated Vera as if she was family, but also referred to her as “Aunt Vera” as well. Vera’s family will forever be grateful for your kindness.
Funeral services by Rev. Dr. Michael Shambora, Stewart Memorial U.M. Church Pastor, are scheduled for Monday at 9:30AM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Entombment will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery Mausoleum, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Vera’s name to the donor’s favorite choice.