Arline A. Motovidlak

Arline A. Motovidlak was granted her angel wings upon peacefully entering eternal life on July 29, 2022. Her final days were spent surrounded by her devoted family after a hard-fought and lengthy illness. Arline was 80 years old. Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Joseph C. and Regina (Smurl) Koch and was educated in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart-St. John’s Parish Community Church in Wilkes-Barre. She and her husband, Thomas E. Motovidlak, were married 58 years raising five children together. Her husband affectionately referred to her as ‘Big A’. Together they shared and enjoyed their energetic Jack Russel Terrier, Maggie #2.

Arline was a caring and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved her family unselfishly and supported them, all her life, through their highs and lows. A proud mother of her five children, she advocated the importance of reading and learning and made sure her children were involved in reading clubs, especially during the summer months, at the Osterhout Free Library. She was the matriarch of our family and her smile and laugh will be missed sorely by us all. She created magical memories with her grandchildren by being a kid at heart herself and by spending as much time with them as she could. We hope to be able to carry out her legacy of unconditional love throughout our lives as that is what she would want.

Arline spent most of her working career as an Environmental Service Aide for the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, for which she took great pride. She will be remembered for her cute Holiday pins and fun socks that she wore that made the patients, especially the children, smile. She volunteered in various community projects, including the Wilkes-Barre Crime Watch committee and St. Vincent dePaul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre. She also enjoyed many years socializing with the Women’s Guild of St. John the Evangelist Church as well as being a member of the Church choir.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her five children: Maria Motovidlak-Thomas, Kimberley Bednarczyk and husband, Paul; Thomas Motovidlak and wife, Donna; David Motovidlak and wife, Kerri; Joseph Motovidlak and fiancé, Nicole Scoble. She is also survived by several grandchildren: Michael and Morgan Thomas; Paul, Jessica and Hunter Bednarczyk; Adam and Paige Motovidlak; Nicole and Allison Motovidlak; Joseph, Madison and Ryah Motovidlak. Arline was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Parker, Sloane and Finley Thomas; Walker Balliet; Scarlett Bednarczyk.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by great-grandchildren, Graham Thomas; John Miller and Piper Bednarczyk.

Arline had nine siblings, with the only living sibling, Linda (Donald) Hearst. Her deceased brothers are: John Patrick Koch, Joseph Michael Koch, Charles Koch, William Koch and James Koch. Her deceased sisters are: Katherine Graham, Jean Cora and Roseann Cox.

Arline would have wanted to recognize the following deceased family members and friend who were supportive of her and loved her dearly: Thomas and Regina Motovidlak, who were her loving mother-in-law and father-in-law; Donna Motovidlak -Sharpe, who was an incredibly loving and supportive sister-in-law; Phyetta Praetorius, teacher and dear friend who instilled confidence along with supportive love.

The family is forever grateful to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore and Compassionate Care Hospice, Taylor for their unwavering compassionate care that kept Arline comfortable with grace and dignity.

A funeral Liturgy service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 10th at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 N. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre. All are welcome to the interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate the life of Arline from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday, August 9th at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Osterhout Free Library or a charity of choice in Arline’s name. Arline will be forever remembered for her wit, determination, humor, and loving soul.

“Love ya’s all”

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Mollie Z. Pierce

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 11, 2025

Mollie Z. Pierce, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Gino J. Merli Veteran's Center, Scranton. Born November 18, 1924, in Waller County, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Hallie B. and Alice Wilson. Private funeral services will be held by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

James A. Wasilewski

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • February 10, 2025

The world is sadder today. James Wasilewski, 73, of Plains passed unexpectedly on February 6, 2025 with his loving wife Dyann at his side. Born July 6, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, he is the son of the late Stanley and Eva Lebioda Wasilewski. He was a graduate of Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre. As a Kodak partner for over 30 years, he shared his expertise to help perfect products for global markets. As a successful entrepreneur, Jim was the founder and CEO of Comprehensive Microfilm and Scanning Services, Inc. Jim was a firm but kind boss and a leader who always looked out for the welfare of his employees. He was well respected in the industry. Serving his community was a hallmark of Jim's legacy. For over 30 years, he was a dedicated and involved board member of the Deutsch Institute, an organization that was near and dear to his heart, serving as Vice Chairman of the Board. In his retirement, he devoted his time to building beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and spent time making pierogies for a local Polish church. People admired his selflessness and generosity. One of the joys of his life was traveling with his wife and son to most of the Caribbean Islands, Panama, Europe, and South America. He most recently fulfilled his dream to visit Poland and embrace his heritage. He devoted his life to his family and community and was one of the world's best storytellers and friends. He was a man of faith who cared for everyone among him. Jim was a force to be reckoned with, and quick with a smile. His infectious sense of humor and easy laugh were a joy to those who had the pleasure to know him. Jim was a creative problem solver and could fix anything. He always took a hands-on approach and continuously put others first. He is survived by his loving wife Dyann, with whom he celebrated 48 years of marriage, and their son Jason (Washington, DC), as well as cousins and countless cherished friends. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brothers Thomas, Henry, and Raymond. Family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 11 at Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 12 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Officiants will be Fr. John S. Terry and Very Rev. Fr. Lucian Urbaniak. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

James R. Verdekal Jr.

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • January 23, 2025

James R. Verdekal Jr., 70, passed away peacefully following a long illness. James was born October 26, 1954, in Wilkes-Barre to the late James and Noreen Payne Verdekal Sr. He attended G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre. James worked and learned his trade in roofing while working with his father at J.R.V. Home Improvement Company and eventually started his own business, First Quality Construction. James was an avid hunter. He also coached flag football and softball teams. His greatest love was his garden in which he took pride in. He loved western movies especially John Wayne and M.A.S.H. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Victor Verdekal; and sister, Rosaria Deangelo. Surviving is his son, James R. Verdekal III; daughter, Suzanne Noone; companion, Pam Aftewicz; and siblings, Ann Harden, Andrew Verdekal, Lucretia Sokoloski, Deandrea Verdekal, Vincent Verdekal, and Freddy Verdekal. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:00am at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Vincent Dang will be Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:00pm.