Irene Patricia Dzurovcin

  • Irene Patricia Dzurovcin

Irene Patricia Dzurovcin

Irene Patricia Dzurovcin, 96, passed away on the morning of Monday, April 3rd at The Meadows Nursing and Rehab Center in Dallas,PA where she resided since December 2016. She was born on March 17,1927 daughter of Joseph and Helen Rekus Lusnia.


Irene grew up in the Stanton Hill section of Wilkes-Barre, Twp. and eventually returned to her family home after her mother's passing in 1993. She lived there with her husband until his death in 1997 and then by herself until entering The Meadows.


Irene in addition to her parents was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Joseph "Lefty" Dzurovcin; her siblings, infant Joseph Lusnia, Thomas Lusnia, Anthony Lusnia, Joan Leikheim and Patricia Klein and all of their spouses; her son-in-law Joseph A. Habersky and her godson, Ronald Rayeski.


Irene is survived by her daughter, Karen Habersky, Dallas Twp. granddaughter, Elena Habersky, Cairo, Egypt; daughter Janice Dzurovcin and husband, Edward Wilbur, Pittsburgh, PA; godson and nephew, Michael Leikheim Wilkes-Barre,Twp. and her sister, Barbara Shedlock (Joseph-deceased), Plains,PA. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.


Irene worked in various places throughout her adult life, the last being Carter Footwear in Wilkes-Barre before permanently retiring. During her high school years, Irene left school to help her family financially, but when she wanted to return to finish high school and graduate, which was important to her, her former school would not accept her back. Instead, she enrolled in Wilkes-Barre Twp.High School for her Senior year and graduated from there in 1946. During that one year there, Irene participated in a school musical production and made many lifelong friends.


Irene married Joseph "Lefty" Dzurovcin on November12,1949. They raised their two daughters and during most of their married life lived first in Wilkes-Barre Twp.; then in North Wilkes-Barre and finally moved back to Stanton Hill, Wilkes-Barre,Twp. Irene was an excellent cook and baker who especially loved making traditional dishes for the holidays. Her pierogies, mushroom soup, piggies nut and poppyseed rolls and cookies were always a treat. During Summer weekends, when a Sunday outdoor picnic was the norm and held in her mother's back yard, Irene always brought her signature macaroni salad and dill pickles made in a stone crock for everyone to share. As everyone was packing up to go back home, the day usually ended with the singing of the opening lyrics of the song "Goodnight Irene" led by her late brother-in-law John Leikheim. 


Irene was also a very talented seamstress. She designed her own wedding gown; made clothes for herself and sewed dresses for both her daughters, including doll dresses to match her youngest daughter's outfits. Irene made beautiful Halloween costumes for her granddaughter, Elena. Her early sewing skills were mentored by her godmother and aunt, Lottie Zasada, who was always ready to give a helping hand or advice when asked.


The Catholic faith was very important to Irene. She was a member of Our Lady of Hope (St. Mary's of the Maternity) Parish. She also attended Mass at the nursing home whenever it was scheduled and she prayed the Rosary and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.


At this time Irene's family wishes to thank everyone at The Meadows Nursing and Rehab Center for the wonderful care they gave her. Once she adjusted to living there, which did not take long, she enjoyed participating in the activities, especially BINGO and any musical entertainment. She filled her free time doing word finds which kept her mind sharp. Special thanks to Dr Alan Boonin, the RN's and nursing assistants who kept her healthy for as long as possible and to the dietary staff and activities staff members who made her six years there enjoyable. Thanks to Toni S. and her service dog, Cali for visiting her too. The compassion everyone showed Irene in her final days will always be appreciated.


Her family also thanks Fr James Paisley, pastor of St. Therese's in Shavertown for responding to a call from the nursing home and going there on Palm Sunday evening to administer the Anointing of the Sick and to pray over her; preparing her for her final journey in life, which occurred the next morning.


As per Irene's request there will be no viewing and a private burial will be held with arrangements by Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre. A Memorial Mass will be planned for a future date when family members will be able to attend followed by a celebration of her life.

Amanda Lynn Longfoot

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • July 18, 2025
Sunrise July 18, 1990 – Sunset July 16, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Amanda Lynn Longfoot, who left this world unexpectedly at home on July 16, 2025, just two days before her 35th birthday. Born on July 18, 1990, Amanda was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School. She was strong, wild, and carried a fierce will to change—for herself and for those around her. Amanda was never afraid to fight for a better life, even in the face of adversity. Her fire was undeniable, her spirit unbreakable. Amanda was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Marcia Zamber, whose love and memory remained close to her heart always and her grandmother, Debra Longfoot. She is survived by her loving father, Keith Longfoot and his wife Lori Longfoot. She also leaves behind her brother Scott Zamber, her grandparents, Jean and Rick Neely, and Paul Longfoot along with his partner, Melissa Wishneski; step brothers, Kyle and Christopher Rushton. Amanda’s love extended to many—a wide circle of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family. Each one carries a piece of her fierce love, her bold energy, and her deep desire for better relationships. Amanda’s legacy is one of strength, struggle, and resilience. She lived life on her terms, and her story is one of both pain and purpose. Her journey touched more lives than she probably ever realized. A celebration of Amanda’s life will be held Sunday July 20th, 2025 from 3-5pm at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly accepting donations to help with funeral and memorial expenses which can be provided directly to the funeral home. Until then, may we honor her memory by loving harder, forgiving more freely, and never giving up on ourselves or each other. Rest easy, Amanda. You were deeply loved. You mattered. And you will never be forgotten.

Stanley B. Szafran

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • July 14, 2025
Stanley B. Szafran of Nanticoke, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home. Born May 10, 1970, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of Romaine Malishchak Szafran of Nanticoke, PA. Stanley was a 1988 graduate of Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, and was employed as a yard jockey at the Adidas Distribution Center, Wilkes-Barre. Stan was a kind-hearted soul and never met anyone he didn't like. He loved music and being outside in the sunshine, so he especially enjoyed cutting the grass with his earbuds in. He enjoyed watching sports, his teams in which he was a die-hard fan were the Florida State Seminoles, Boston Red Sox, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons. Stanley was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Roman and Stella Panek Malishchak. Surviving in addition to his mother, Romaine, is his children, Christian, Lauren, and Alec Szafran, and their mother, Kathleen Szafran; sister, Renee Barrett and her husband, Stephen of Opal, VA; nephew and niece, Mason and Skylar Barrett; and companion, Debra Chesney of Nanticoke, PA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 8:00pm at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, Deacon William Behm will be officiating. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 5:00pm until time of services.

Carolanne Jones

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • July 9, 2025
Carolanne Jones of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Allied Services-Meade Street Nursing, Wilkes-Barre. Born June 10, 1941, in Larksville, she was the daughter of the late William and Helen Shebli Wallace. Carolanne was a 1959 graduate of Larksville High School. She worked throughout the valley at various stores including, Vic Mars Restaurant, Marshalls, Hills Department Store, and Wegman's Supermarket. Carolanne was a member of St. Nicholas Parish, Wilkes-Barre. She enjoyed listening to opera music, making ceramics, and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth in 2022 and son, Kenneth in 1963. Surviving is her son, William Jones of Wilkes-Barre; daughter, Carolanne Leco and her husband, Daniel of WIlkes-Barre; and brother, William Wallace and his wife, Helen of Hunlock Creek, PA. Funeral services will be held Friday evening at 7:00pm at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call Friday evening from 5:00pm until time of services.