Obituary of Seconda Esther Shonis

Seconda Esther Shonis April 19, 2014 Seconda Esther Shonis of Luzerne passed away on April 19, 2014 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Exeter and was the daughter of Angelina Keis Ciciliot and Jacamo Ciciliot. Seconda graduated from Luzerne High School and was a long time resident of Luzerne. After graduation she was employed by the cigar factory and then worked for Samuel Browner for more than 35 years in the garment industry until retirement. She was preceded in death by her husband, of one year, John George Payne who died in 1946 from a mining accident. Her second husband Anthony Joseph Shonis passed away July 2, 2009, they were married 52 years. Seconda was the perfect partner for Tony's playful teasing and tricks that amused us all. Their love, care and respect for each other in their marriage was what we all pray for in our lives. Seconda lived in the home built by Tony's carpenter skills in 1960. A truly modern home with many innovative features "Built in" for its time. Both Seconda and Tony were well known for their community involment and willingness to participate and donate anything involving "Kids". Playground equipment was built by Tony and donated to the borough. Billboards were sponsored for baseball and contributions to Charles Street Park. For their parish Holy Family Church, Luzerne, Tony helped build the BVM grotto and the donated a church pew. Seconda was a devout Catholic, attending Mass daily until she no longer could because of her health. She belonged to the Senior Citizens Center and was active in the borough attending Luzerne's Council meeting and was a force to be reckoned with for her town. Seconda was also preceded in death by her sister Lena Stanko, brother-in-law Michael Stanko, niece Esther Burakiewicz and nephew Michael Stanko. She is survived by her devoted and loving daughter and caregiver Mary Ann Diddlebock of Luzerne, granddaughter Jacqueline Ziomek and husband Greg of Drums, who also has been devoted to her grandmother. Son, Dr. John and wife Casey Shonis of Benton and grandson Connor and Jacamo. She was proud of his devoted care of all the animals in his vet nary practices and especially enjoyed the visits, activities and outings. Son, Fr. Anthony Shonis, Jr. of Henderson, KY who has been a priest for 42 years. Daughter, Marilyn Fronczkiewicz and husband Peter of Anderson, S.C. Grandchildren, Peter John of S. C.; Christi Fronczkiewicz of N. C.; great grandchildren, Ada Jane and Maizy Fronczkiewicz and several nieces and nephews. The family would appreciate and memorial gifts can be made to the S.P.C.A. or Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Family would like to thank Ton & Erin of the Sacred Heart Hospice for the wonderful care our mother received and everyone else there. We would also like to thank Dr. James Butcofski for the many years of his love and kindness in his care of our family. Special thanks to Dr. Janusz Wolanin and his staff who for many years has been a loving physician making our Mother's last year's more pleasant. To Judy Gober our special friend who was always there to help, it didn't matter, day or night she would drop everything to help us. She was devoted to her family and always a treasured fiends Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at Seconda request, there will be no public calling hours. Arrangement are entrusted to Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. Luzerne, PA