Irene Patricia Dzurovcin

  • Irene Patricia Dzurovcin

Irene Patricia Dzurovcin

Irene Patricia Dzurovcin, 96, passed away on the morning of Monday, April 3rd at The Meadows Nursing and Rehab Center in Dallas,PA where she resided since December 2016. She was born on March 17,1927 daughter of Joseph and Helen Rekus Lusnia.


Irene grew up in the Stanton Hill section of Wilkes-Barre, Twp. and eventually returned to her family home after her mother's passing in 1993. She lived there with her husband until his death in 1997 and then by herself until entering The Meadows.


Irene in addition to her parents was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Joseph "Lefty" Dzurovcin; her siblings, infant Joseph Lusnia, Thomas Lusnia, Anthony Lusnia, Joan Leikheim and Patricia Klein and all of their spouses; her son-in-law Joseph A. Habersky and her godson, Ronald Rayeski.


Irene is survived by her daughter, Karen Habersky, Dallas Twp. granddaughter, Elena Habersky, Cairo, Egypt; daughter Janice Dzurovcin and husband, Edward Wilbur, Pittsburgh, PA; godson and nephew, Michael Leikheim Wilkes-Barre,Twp. and her sister, Barbara Shedlock (Joseph-deceased), Plains,PA. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.


Irene worked in various places throughout her adult life, the last being Carter Footwear in Wilkes-Barre before permanently retiring. During her high school years, Irene left school to help her family financially, but when she wanted to return to finish high school and graduate, which was important to her, her former school would not accept her back. Instead, she enrolled in Wilkes-Barre Twp.High School for her Senior year and graduated from there in 1946. During that one year there, Irene participated in a school musical production and made many lifelong friends.


Irene married Joseph "Lefty" Dzurovcin on November12,1949. They raised their two daughters and during most of their married life lived first in Wilkes-Barre Twp.; then in North Wilkes-Barre and finally moved back to Stanton Hill, Wilkes-Barre,Twp. Irene was an excellent cook and baker who especially loved making traditional dishes for the holidays. Her pierogies, mushroom soup, piggies nut and poppyseed rolls and cookies were always a treat. During Summer weekends, when a Sunday outdoor picnic was the norm and held in her mother's back yard, Irene always brought her signature macaroni salad and dill pickles made in a stone crock for everyone to share. As everyone was packing up to go back home, the day usually ended with the singing of the opening lyrics of the song "Goodnight Irene" led by her late brother-in-law John Leikheim. 


Irene was also a very talented seamstress. She designed her own wedding gown; made clothes for herself and sewed dresses for both her daughters, including doll dresses to match her youngest daughter's outfits. Irene made beautiful Halloween costumes for her granddaughter, Elena. Her early sewing skills were mentored by her godmother and aunt, Lottie Zasada, who was always ready to give a helping hand or advice when asked.


The Catholic faith was very important to Irene. She was a member of Our Lady of Hope (St. Mary's of the Maternity) Parish. She also attended Mass at the nursing home whenever it was scheduled and she prayed the Rosary and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy.


At this time Irene's family wishes to thank everyone at The Meadows Nursing and Rehab Center for the wonderful care they gave her. Once she adjusted to living there, which did not take long, she enjoyed participating in the activities, especially BINGO and any musical entertainment. She filled her free time doing word finds which kept her mind sharp. Special thanks to Dr Alan Boonin, the RN's and nursing assistants who kept her healthy for as long as possible and to the dietary staff and activities staff members who made her six years there enjoyable. Thanks to Toni S. and her service dog, Cali for visiting her too. The compassion everyone showed Irene in her final days will always be appreciated.


Her family also thanks Fr James Paisley, pastor of St. Therese's in Shavertown for responding to a call from the nursing home and going there on Palm Sunday evening to administer the Anointing of the Sick and to pray over her; preparing her for her final journey in life, which occurred the next morning.


As per Irene's request there will be no viewing and a private burial will be held with arrangements by Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre. A Memorial Mass will be planned for a future date when family members will be able to attend followed by a celebration of her life.

Joseph E. Brazinski

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • April 21, 2025
Joseph Edmund Brazinski, 73, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away April 19, 2025, at Third Avenue Health Care, Kingston. Born March 24, 1952, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Edmund and Josephine Starek Brazinski. Joseph was 1970 graduate of Marymount High School, Wilkes-Barre. Prior to retirement in 2011, he was employed by the Department of Environmental Protection on abandoned mine reclamation projects. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Cywinski in 2017. Surviving is his daughter, Miranda Brazinski; and nephews, Ryan and Scott Cywinski. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Frederick Holtzman

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • April 14, 2025
Fred Holtzman, 86 of Trucksville, PA, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his home under the care of Allied Services Hospice. Born November 4, 1938, in Trucksville, he was the son of the late Jacob and Helen Czapla Holtzman. Fred was a 1956 graduate of Westmoreland High School. He was employed as a sheet metal worker with the Local #44 for over 50 years. Fred enjoyed attending car shows and working in his yard. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Frances Holtzman on March 26, 2025; brothers, Ernest Holtzman and Arthur Holtzman; and sisters, Arline Climach, Ruth Murphy, Lucy Gougas, Lotty Hitchcock, and Betty Harbaugh. Surviving is his daughters, Donna Dymond of Swoyersville, and Linda Billings and her husband, Jon of Mehoopany; son, Mark Holtzman of Trucksville; grandchildren, Sarah Billings of Lehman, PA, Jamie Billings of Mehoopany, and Stacy Dymond of South Carolina; 3 great grandchildren; his sister, Naome Brunges of Palm Bay, FL; sister-in-law, Michaelene Lavin and her husband, Francis of Wilkes-Barre; and many nieces and nephews. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family by the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Rosemary D. Wisnewski

By Joseph Jendrzejewski • April 9, 2025
Rosemary D. Wisnewski, of Swoyersville, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at The Meadows Nursing Center, Dallas. Born December 17, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Mary Raub Graboske. Rosemary was a 1955 graduate of Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre. She will be remembered for her dedication and service as a Counselor at the Domestic Violence Service Center for over 40 years. A devoted Catholic, Rosemary was a member of Holy Family Parish, Luzerne. She enjoyed watching football and was an avid Philadelphia Eagle's fan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick on May 3, 2010, and her sister, Arlene Lyons. Surviving sis her daughters, Laura Luise of Kingston, Patricia Sprague and her husband, George of Shavertown, and Paula Wisnewski of Swoyersville; grandchildren, George Sprague Jr., Trisha Sprague, and Vincent Luise; and great grandchildren, Vincent Luise Jr., Cole and Sage Vernon. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 14th, at 11:00am at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 North Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre. Private interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Dallas. Friends may call Monday morning from 10:00am until the time of services. Rosemary's family would like to thank Dr. Patrick Kilduff and the nurse and staff at The Meadows for their care and compassion.