Obituaries

Lois J. (Merkel) Walsh, age 83, of Scranton and formerly of Old Forge, passed on to eternal life Wednesday evening at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scranton after a courageous battle with dementia.
Born in Scranton on August 22, 1935, and daughter of her late beloved mother, Jeanette Merkel, Lois was a graduate of the former St. Patrick’s High School. A longtime answering service operator, she retired as a file clerk for Old Forge’s Penn Warranty Company.
Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Church in West Scranton, prior to its closure, before joining St. Patrick’s Parish.
She is survived by her daughter, Bev Stuart and husband Dean of Old Forge; her sons, James A. Walsh of Springbrook Twp. and William Walsh, Sr. and wife Margaret of Covington Twp.; her brother, James C. Merkel of Scranton; four grandchildren, Matthew and Cory Stuart and William, Jr. and Joseph John (J.J.) Walsh; and four great grandchildren, Oliver and Mason Stuart, Liam and Joseph (Seph) Walsh.
A grandson, Jason Walsh, also preceded her in death.
Lois’ daughter, Bev, wishes to extend her appreciation of the unconditional loving care provided by the employees and nursing staff of Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
A Mass of Christian Burial by Rev. John Ruth was privately celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, West Scranton. with burial following at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.