Regina Lanczak

I was just notified by Maryellen that Karen's mother passed away on Monday. Here is the obituary from the Times Leader.

Regina Lanczak, of Luzerne Borough, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her family on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Hospice Community Care at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, formerly Mercy Hospital.

Regina was born April 1, 1927, in Bronx, New York, to the late Harry and Frances Glassberg Rutenberg and attended George Washington High School, New York City, where she was a member of the Swim Team. Due to Regina’s academic excellence, she was honored to advance a grade level and graduated in 1944.

In 1952, Regina was married to the love of her life, John, and relocated to Luzerne County, first residing in Wyoming, and a few years later to Luzerne Borough until her passing.
For many years, Regina was employed by Meyer & Saba as an office secretary until her retirement. During the time her children were in elementary school, Regina was a member and past Secretary of the Saint Monica’s Mothers’ Club of the former Sacred Heart School, Luzerne. Regina was also a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church, Luzerne, until its closing.
In addition to her parents, Regina was preceded into death by her husband, John, who passed away in May of 1995; sister Bernice Rutenberg; and a granddaughter, Angela (Angel) Lanczak D’Andrea.

Regina is survived by her two children, son John “Chris” Lanczak Jr., at home; daughter Karen Leonardi; and son-in-law Robert, Pringle, Pa.

Regina’s extended family includes Renee’ Traeger Lutecki and her husband, John, with their children, Katrina and Tyler; Donna Knell Bowen and her husband, Bill, with their three children, Justin, Emily, and Abby who cared for Regina in times of need.

Regina’s many joys were first and foremost her family, but she also enjoyed her Saturdays with the ladies having her hair done by Rita Herman and breakfast at Mary’s Place, Luzerne, and lest we forget her most favorite pastimes, crossword puzzles and Winston cigarettes.
Regina will be dearly missed, loved and remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral will be held on Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, 568 Bennett St., Luzerne, with A Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Family Parish with the Rev. Richard Fox officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Friends may call on Wednesday, from 5 until 8 p.m. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Easter tidings

I hope that you all have a happy and blessed Easter.

James Balester

James W. Balester of Chestnut Avenue, Kingston, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at home.

Born Dec. 12, 1925, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Fred J., Sr., and Ruth Watrous Balester. He attended local grade schools and Elmer L. Meyers High School.

In 1942, he joined his father and brother in the family business, Balester Optical Co., located on North River Street, Wilkes-Barre. He retired having served as vice president and secretary.

He resided on Chestnut Avenue since 1959 and most recently his granddaughter, Tami Snow, resided with him. Jim was an avid photographer, responsible for taking family wedding photos. He and his family enjoyed spending time at the family farmhouse in Dorrance Township.

His wife, the former Kathleen J. Shea, died Dec. 28, 1999. Also preceding him in death were his son, James W., on May 15, 1972; and brother, Fred J. Balester, on Jan. 13, 2009.

Surviving are his children, William F. Balester and his wife, Marcia, Dorrance Township; Jacqueline A. Pekar and her husband, Mark, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Dorothy B. Hodle, Kingston; Frederick P. Balester and his wife, Nancy, Hanover Township; Patrick J. Balester and his wife, Virginia, Gladstone, Mo.; Susan B. Dennis, Riverview, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. from Hugh P. Boyle & Son Funeral Home Inc., 416 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, with the Rev. Brian J. Clarke, chaplain of Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre, officiating. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Mausoleum, Hanover Township.

Friends may call Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, 919 Walnut St., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Prayer Request

I got this from Arlene yesterday:

"I received news today that my brother-in-law, Rick, has a tumor on his liver. This man has been my "Brother" for 40 years, and I don't understand why this has to happen to someone who gives his all to his family, church, friends, etc. I trust my sister's instincts when she says "this does not look good", as he has not been feeling well for some time now. They are waiting for the biopsy to be scheduled, so I am asking for your help. I have never asked anything of my classmates before, but I am asking now. Please take a few minutes out of your day when you get this to say a prayer for Rick and our family. We desperately need good news. Thank you and God Bless you and yours."



Arlene Galanda Kuharchik