Obituaries

Arlene (Shafer) Schmidt, age 72, and a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Sunday evening at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, after a brief illness.
Born on February 4, 1949, and raised in North Scranton, Arlene was the daughter of the late Albert and Louise (Pfeiffer) Shafer. Upon graduation from the former Scranton Technical High School, she entered the workforce and raised her family of four sons.
For more than 20 years, Arlene worked in the dietary department at Pennswood Manor retirement home.
Arlene was a trustworthy confidant and wellspring of emotional support to her family and friends. With humility and a gentle sense of humor, she tried always to radiate joy and peace, even in the face of struggle, hardship, and illness.
She is survived by her three sons, Louis Kohut and partner Marybeth Scaramastro, Frank Schmidt and wife Melissa, all of Scranton, and Robert Schmidt and fiancé Laura Kipfer, of Endicott, N.Y.; one brother, James Shafer of Old Forge; two grandchildren, Breanna Kohut and Jason Roberts; two great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Sherry Kohut of Scranton; and nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her son, Jason Kohut; and a sister, Lois.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Thursday, January 20th, at 8:45 AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, to be celebrated by Msgr. Dale Rupert, Pastor. Burial will follow at Dunmore Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday at the funeral home between 4-7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Arlene’s name to the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA 18503. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.