Obituaries

Mary Ann (Sopp) Czerkas, age 87, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Tuesday evening at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, after an illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Joseph R. Czerkas, on May 14, 2015.
Born on April 11, 1933, and daughter of the late John and Mary (Smith) Sopp, Mary Ann was a graduate of Old Forge High School. She had previously worked in several local dress factories and she was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Church in Taylor.
Mary Ann loved sports, especially Old Forge athletics and rooting on her nieces and nephews in all of their endeavors. She was a fierce bingo competitor and she never met a casino slot machine she didn’t like. Now at peace and reunited with Joseph, she will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her loving siblings, Dolores Revello of Old Forge, John Sopp of Dunmore, Dorothy Kaetzel of Taylor, Andrew Sopp and wife Janice of Taylor, her devoted caregiver Diane Klink and husband Bernard of Duryea and Ronald Sopp of Old Forge; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph Czerkas, Jr.; and a sister, Irene (Olivieri) Oliver.
Her family would like to thank the entire staff of Gino J. Merli Veterans Center for the amazing care given to Mary Ann throughout her stay.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, 700 Oak Street in Taylor, to be conducted by Rev. Eduard Shestak, Pastor. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.
Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Ann’s name to her church c/o St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 700 Oak Street, Taylor PA 18517.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.