Obituaries

Rachel Gannon, affectionately known as “Rara”, 93 years young and a longtime Scranton resident, passed away Wednesday morning at Allied Skilled Nursing Center after an illness.
Born on January 20, 1928 and raised in Dunmore, Rara was the daughter of the late James and Catherine (Flynn) Gannon. A graduate of Dunmore High school, she then selflessly took care of her father upon the passing of her mother. Prior to her retirement, she worked for over 25 years as a clerk for the Workmen’s Insurance Fund for the State of Pennsylvania. After her retirement, she then volunteered at Saint Mary’s Villa as a nurse’s aide, always saying it was her favorite job. An avid traveler and proud of her heritage, she had visited Ireland countless times. Rara loved to dine out with her fellow “Manhattan Club” members, and with her girlfriends Berna Laffey, Dolores Pisarcik, Mary Lou Dwyer, and her dear friend the late Anne Kearney. She’ll always be remembered as an amazing cook who enjoyed welcoming family to her dinner table.
Above all else was Ra Ra’s devotion to her faith. She was a faithful member of St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Dunmore. She was also a member of the Scranton Choral Society.
She adored her family, especially her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews whom long considered her their second mother. Her memory will remain with them forever and she’ll be dearly missed.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Eloise Carroll Bartosh of Johnstown, Joan Carroll of Scranton, Christine Carroll Zwick and husband Joseph of Scranton, David J. Carroll and husband Jay of Scranton, Kathy Gannon Salvin and husband Henry of Dunmore, and Chuck Gedman of Scranton; and many great nieces, great nephews, great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews.
The last of five siblings, she was also preceded in death by brothers, Eugene “Gene”, James and John Gannon and Angela Carroll; and a dear niece, Catherine “Kay” Carroll Gedman.
Her family would like to thank the entire staff of Allied Services, especially 3-North of Skilled Nursing and Kathy Osborne, Director of Social Services, for the tremendous care, compassion and help over the past several years.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut Street, Dunmore, to be celebrated by Rev. John A. Doris, Pastor. Burial will be private following the Mass.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday at the church from 9:00 AM until Mass.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the doner’s favorite charity.