Mrs. Mary Theresa DeMarko Farano,86, of West Pittston, formerly of West Wyoming, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2013, at the Commonwealth Hospice at St. Luke's Villa, Wilkes-Barre after a valiant struggle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 29, 1927, in the West Wyoming family homestead by a mid wife, Mary was the daughter of the late Samuel and Pauline Orlando DeMarko.
Mary attended West Wyoming High School where she graduated Valedictorian in 1945 earning a 4 year academic scholarship to Miserecordia College. Mary was also recognized as a 5 year member of the school band, playing the clarinet. Due to the onset of the Great Depression, she was unable to capitalize on this scholarship award. Following her high school graduation Mary worked at a local dress factory in an effort to help support her family and obtain sufficient funds to attend nursing school.
In 1949 Mary completed training at the Pittston Hospital School of Nursing and became a licensed Registered Nurse. While attending nursing school, Mary obtained 23 pre-med credits from Marywood University. Upon graduation she and 4 fellow nurses, who became life long friends, moved to New York City where they accepted employment at the Astoria General Hospital, Queens, NY.
In 1958 Mary returned to Pennsylvania and continued working as a Private Duty R.N for 45 years until her retirement. During that period, Mary was instrumental in establishing the Luzerne County chapter of the PA Private Duty R.N association. Additionally, she was a member of the Ladies Auxillary Eagles Post 1956.
As she often reflected, her proudest accomplishments were her two her children Antoninette and James and four grandchildren. She spent her retired years enjoying the closeness of her family and assisting in the raising of her grandchildren.
Mary, known as “Babe” will always be remembered for her passion for life, diligent work ethic commitment to her family and friends, and unparalleled generosity . To everyone's life she touched, she was an unstoppable force of nature.
Mary was preceded in death by her infant twin brother and sister, Paul and Carmella DeMarko (1929), father Samuel DeMarko (1977), mother Pauline Orlando DeMarko (1980) and beloved brother Paul “Bunny” DeMarko (2000).
She is survived by her son James, his wife Anne Farano and their children Alexandra and twin sons Anthony and James, Lehighton, Pa.and Daughter Antoinette Farano Terrana and her son John C. Terrana,Pittston.
Her nieces, Diane DeMarko and Debra VanAuken, her husband David, and family. Her most dear cousins Louise Kobi, her family and Peter Codaro.
A special thank you to Mary's friends Mrs. Irene Zelinski, Mrs. Trudy Hansburg, Mr. Gino Cataluffi, and Mr. Sal Morreale for their loyal friendship and loving care.
Relatives and friends may call for visitation on Friday November 29, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m.,at the Gubbiottti Funeral Home 1030 Wyoming Avenue Exeter, PA 18643.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 30, 2013, at 9 am from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian burial at 10 am at St. Monicas Parish at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 8th Street West Wyoming, PA. The Rev. Leo McKernan, pastor, will be celebrant.
Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetry , Carverton, PA 18644.
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