Obituaries

Mary Loftus Murtaugh, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Sunday evening. She was 94 years old.
On August 14, 1998, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Thomas “Jack” Murtaugh.
Raised in Scranton, Mary was born on January 12, 1929, daughter of the late Roy and Mary (Murphy) Loftus. A graduate of the former Holy Rosary High School, Class of 1946, she earned distinction as class Valedictorian.
Upon graduation, she was employed by The Bell Telephone Co. before working alongside her husband as owners and operators of the Dippre Catering Service, a business serving greater NEPA.
Later in life, Mary worked in the ladies coat and dress department of Boscov’s Department Store. Possessing an amazing lifelong worth ethic, Mary reluctantly “retired” at the age of 85. Throughout her retirement, she led quite the social life with an amazingly loyal group of friends.
Above all else in Mary’s life came her family. Intent on being the absolute best grandma, she succeeded. Intent on setting an example of strength, independence, generosity and kindness to the three generations she leaves behind, she succeeded in that as well.
Proud of the legacy she established, she passed away at peace yet will forever be missed.
She is survived by her loving family, including children Mary Ellen Murtaugh of Clarks Summit; Dr. Thomas I. Murtaugh and wife Lisa of Cinncinati, OH; Atty. Kathleen Collins and huband Eric of Asheville, N.C. and sister, Ann Brown and husband Robert of Silver Springs, MD; grandchildren, Liz Stein, Amelia Suraci, Sarah Suraci, Frank Suraci and wife Kate, Susan Fernandez and husband Scott and Brendan Suraci, Caroline and Grace Collins, Christopher and Andrew Murtaugh,; great grandchildren, Clare Suraci Schlosser, Giada and Colette Fernandez, Oliver and Leo Suraci, and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by an adored granddaughter, Bridgid Suraci Thomas, on February 22nd; and siblings, Rita Hughes, Teresa Evans, Jack Loftus and Mildred Loftus.
Her family would like to acknowledge and thank the staffs of Allied Services and Great Valley Cardiology for the amazing care given to Mary.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Clare’s Church, 2301 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, to be celebrated by Msgr. Neil J. Van Loon, Pastor. Burial will follow in the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until Mass. Those wishing to attend the funeral are asked to go directly to church.
Contributions may be made in Mary’s name to the Bridgid Suraci Thomas Memorial Fund c/o any branch of FNCB Bank.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.