Obituary of Helen Gurnari

Helen Gurnari February 17, 2019 Helen Gurnari, 84, a resident of River Run Nursing Home for the past three years, following a illness, passed away peacefully Sunday February 17, with her family by her side. Born and raised in Swoyersville, she was the only daughter of the late Jacob and Helen Katcavage Varaitis. She attended Swoyersville High School and worked several years at United Pants Factory, Swoyersville and Choices in Kingston. Helen was active supporting fundraising, building a new church for Saint Ann (Holy Family) Parish. She also enjoyed spending summers Harveys Lake with family and friends. Cooking and baking, trying different recipes was one of her favorite things to do but most of all she enjoyed being with all of her family. She married Lawrence Gurnari on September 5, 1953. She is survived by husband, daughter Diana Hoover, Dallas; sons, Lawrence Gurnari, Jr. and wife Charleen, Flanders, NJ; James Gurnari and wife Debra, Forty Fort. She also survived by grandchildren, Marisa (Bethlehem); James (New York, NY) and Lauren (CA). She was preceded in death by brothers James, Robert and Joseph Varaitis. The family would like to thank Dr. Mera and staff at River Run Nursing Home for the care and compassion that Helen received during her stay. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 am in Holy Family Parish, Luzerne. Interment will be held at a future time. Arrangements are entrusted to the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. Luzerne. In lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made to American Lung Association.