Obituary
Obituary of Loretta Banashefski
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Loretta Soboleski Banashefski, 86, of Wilkes-Barre Township passed away peacefully Monday, December 30, 2024.
She was born April 30, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late John and Josephine (Soboleski) Katsock.
Loretta graduated from James M. Coughlin High School, class of 1955. She dedicated over 20 years to Carter Footwear, and after its closing, she channeled her compassionate nature into a second career as a nurse’s aide at the John Heinz Rehabilitation Center in Wilkes-Barre. However, her most cherished roles in life were those of mom and grandma.
Loretta found her greatest joy surrounded by her family, whether hosting holiday celebrations or backyard picnics filled with food, laughter and love. Christmas was especially close to her heart. She brought the season to life with beautiful decorations, a fabulous Polish feast, her treasured collection of Christmas ornaments, and a mountain of presents. Loretta had a special gift for making everyone feel loved, ensuring every wish list was fulfilled. Her Christmas celebrations created magical memories that will be treasured forever. She was also an avid shopper, relished trips to the casino, and enjoyed taking bus trips to see shows. Above all, she delighted in doting on her grandchildren.
Loretta was a devoted Catholic, a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Wilkes-Barre and was an active member of St. Joseph’s Monastery in Wilkes-Barre Township, prior to its closing.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband George who she was married to for over 57 years; her sisters Connie Kodish and Jean Wisniewski, her brothers, John (Jackie), Raymond, Thomas and Stanley; and her great-grandson, Finn Banashefski-Mellor.
Loretta is survived by her children, Charlene Banashefski, and son-in-law Ryden; George Banashefski and his wife, Wanda; David Banashefski and his wife, Diana; Brenda Hogan and her husband, Patrick, and Nadine Rolles and her husband, Daniel; grandchildren, Erin Johnson, Kaela Banashefski-Mellor, Bryana and Haley Banashefski, Cody Hogan, Kyle, Connor and Emily Banashefski and Hunter and Logan Rolles; great-grandchildren, Avery, Ryan and Chloe Johnson and Eli and Rowan Banashefski-Mellor; and brother-in-law, Leonard Bantel; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
Loretta’s family would like to extend their appreciation for the care provided by the staff at Mountain Top Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and Smith’s Health Care in Mountain Top and Compassionate Care Hospice, Dallas.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 pm Monday, January 6 at Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 7 in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church.
Interment will be in St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Dallas, immediately following mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting Loretta’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loretta Banashefski, please visit Tribute Store
Monday
6
January
Visitation
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday, January 6, 2025
Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home
89 Park Avenue
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
Need Directions?
Tuesday
7
January
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Our Lady of Hope Parish
40 Park Ave.
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
Need Directions?
Tuesday
7
January
Interment
11:30 am - 11:45 am
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
St. mary's Byzantine cemetery
Lake St.
Dallas, Pennsylvania, United States
Need Directions?
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Loretta Banashefski
1938 - 2024
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