Florence C. Williams

     Florence C. Williams, formerly of Seminary Road, Hanover Township, and Highland Manor, Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 16, 2025.

     Born in Wilkes-Barre to the late John and Bertha Deptula Waltos, Florence was raised in the Mayflower section and graduated from Marymount High School in 1946. She went on to work as Legal Administrative Assistant to Judge Paul Sielecki, Judge Edward Lopato, and Judge Patrick Toole, with whom she worked for over 30 years until her retirement in 2001. 

     After her retirement, she became an active volunteer at many organizations such as the Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, The Fine Arts Fiesta, The Wyoming Valley Duck Derby, and she was an usher at the Kirby Center. She received many honors, and pins, for her commitment in her years of service. 

Florence loved to keep active and exercise. For many years she enjoyed the pool at the YMCA, and water aerobics at John Heinz. She and her husband, Lenny, were also avid Polka Dancers and made cherished memories at local Polka events with friends, and the Annual Polka Weekend in Wildwood, NJ. They also loved to travel and went on many exciting trips through Europe, Poland, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, to name a few. Florence made friends wherever she went and maintained those friendships for many years. Known for her warm, loving, generous and kind spirit, she brought joy to all who knew her.

     Her deep Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of our Our Lady of Hope (formerly St. Mary’s of the Maternity Church), in Wilkes-Barre. She was a Eucharistic Minister, and brought the Holy Eucharist to the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. She also enjoyed volunteering at the church fundraising dinners, past bazaars, and was part of the pierogi making team, and the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary Society.

     Holidays were very special to Florence. Spending time together with family meant everything to her. She was the heart of our family, our holidays, and we will treasure all of our special memories of her. She was a wonderful baker and cook, and her special dishes like her potato salad, apple, blueberry and rhubarb pies, family recipe filled cookies, Thanksgiving stuffing, and other treats, were a cherished part of family gatherings. We all loved her so much, and her favorite saying will forever echo in our hearts: ”I love you more.”

     In addition to her parents, John and Bertha Waltos, Florence was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Leonard Williams (1993); and her brother, John Waltos (2018).

     Left to cherish Florence’s memory are her sisters, Regina Buczynski, Wilkes-Barre, and Mary Ann Dougherty, Laflin; nephews, Joseph Buczynski and wife, Marlene, Maryland, and Jim Dougherty, Florida; niece, Kathy Dougherty, Florida; and grand-nephew, Christopher Buczynski, Maryland; along with several cousins, and many dear friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Hope Church, 40 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, with Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, officiating. All are invited to attend. Family and Friends may call prior to the mass from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, Hanover Township.

Frederick Norman Shaffer

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • May 17, 2025
Frederick Norman Shaffer, of Buck Township, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at his home, under the care of Residential Hospice. Born January 21, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Clarence and Arline Dutter Shaffer. Fred attended Mount Pocono High School. He was self-employed as a contractor, operating Shaffer Construction. Fred was a member of the former Beaumont Methodist Church. He loved fishing, snowmobiling, doing yardwork, going to the casino, but most of all, he loved his wife, Eleanor, and spending his life with her. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Shaffer on July 5, 2022; granddaughter, Tara Lee Shaffer; and brothers, Raymond Shaffer, and Jerry "Chip" Shaffer. Surviving is his wife of 69 years, the former Eleanor Youkoski; sons, Frederick Norman Shaffer Jr. and his wife, Patricia of Wilkes-Barre, PA, Thomas "Tink" Shaffer and his wife, Diane of Newburg, SC, Robert Shaffer of Buck Township, PA, and Jeffrey Shaffer and his wife, Sheila of Buck Township, PA; daughter, Brenda Shaffer and her fiance, Michael Ghilerd of Archbald, PA; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; brothers, William Shaffer of Wilkes-Barre, PA, Robert Shaffer and his wife, Lynn of Florida, and Larry Shaffer and his wife, Jeanette of Las Vegas, NV; and sisters, Mary Cerami and her husband, Joseph of Delaware, and Ruth "Corky" Hughes of White Haven, PA. Private funeral services were held by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre. A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.

Kathleen D. Yanchunas

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • May 10, 2025
Kathleen D. Yanchunas passed away swinging like a prizefighter in the early hours of Friday morning, May 9, 2025, after a one-two punch of complications following emergency surgery on Monday. Born to Joseph and Helen Dorko of McCarragher Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pa, July 5 1943. Kathy graduated from Marymount HS and Wilkes-Barre Business College. She married Joseph Yanchunas of Luzerne Pa and together they raised a family at their home in Harvey’s Lake. Kathy was beloved by her friends, family and her extended families. She loved cooking and baseball and once had a furry green hug from the Phanatic on Mother’s Day at a Phillies game in Veterans Stadium. She shared her love by kneading, baking and giving bread, and making and sharing desserts like her famous brownies and whoopie pies. She taught us how to cook, clean, make a proper bed, and joke about life. She loved her Grandchildren and spoiled them rotten, as she would say. Kathleen is pre-deceased by her parents and brothers Joseph and Thomas Dorko. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Joseph Yanchunas; siblings Dr. Carl Dorko, William Dorko, and Helene Roccograndi; children, Joseph Yanchunas Jr. and Elisa (Lisa) Huncik; and grandchildren, Tobias and Sarah Yanchunas and Anastasia Huncik. She loved and was loved by her extended family, Bobby and Alex Wilson. Services will be held at Our Lady of Hope Church on Park Avenue in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, May 15, with viewing at 10 am followed by Mass at 11. Lunch with family and friends will follow. We love you, Darling.

Lida Jean Gabriel

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • May 10, 2025
Lida Jean Gabriel, of Hanover Township, passed away Monday, May 5, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Born December 18, 1940, in Kingston, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Jessie Williams Hughes. Lida Jean was a 1958 graduate of Westmoreland Senior High School, Trucksville. She was most recently employed as a front office supervisor at Orthopedic Consultants in Kingston. Lida Jean was a devout Catholic, holding membership at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Wilkes-Barre, and served as Lector, choir member and CCD teacher. She enjoyed ice cream, music, and especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Gerald on October 24, 2020; her brother, Kenneth Hughes; granddaughter, Heather Long; and grandson, Zane Gabriel. Surviving are her sons, Brian Goode Sr. and his wife, Barbara of Plains, PA, and Mark Goode and his wife, Rachel of Cape Elizabeth, ME; daughters, Deborah Long of Kingston, PA, Jacqueline Yasenchak and her husband, Michael of Hanover Township, and Jennifer Gabriel of Hanover Township; stepchildren, Brian Gabriel and his wife, Michelle, Unknown, Kelly Gabriel of Swoyersville, PA, and Gerald Gabriel and his wife, Su of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren, Brian Jr., Jesse, Courtney, Keira, Lucy, Julia, Quinn, Avery and Kali; great granddaughter, Braelyn; brother, Thomas Hughes of Plymouth, PA; sister-in-law Arlene Hughes of NY; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined. Services were provided by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.