Marie E. Bozentka

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, and grandmother, Marie E. Bozentka, who left us peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Marie was born on August 18, 1933, to parents, Elizabeth and Edward Rakowski.

She is predeceased by her true love, Michael (Buzzy) Bozentka. Their story started when Michael took Marie’s hand to admire her wristwatch, and the rest is history – and what a beautiful history it was.

Marie graduated from Wilkes-Barre Township High School and throughout her life, honed her cooking and gardening skills with various classes. One of her proudest achievements was receiving a Home and Food Preservation Certification from Penn State.

She was a devout member of St. Mary’s of the Maternity Church (Our Lady of Hope) and their Christian Mother’s Association where she served as president several times. One of her favorite activities as a Christian Mother, was making homemade chicken soup for the homeless.

Marie is survived by a large, loving, and loud Polish family: daughter, Regina Bozentka (Forty-Fort); son, Robert Bozentka and partner, Rebecca Corby (Trucksville); daughter, Marci and Ross Wayman (Mountain Top); son, Michael Bozentka (Wilkes-Barre); son, Thaddeus Bozentka (Wilkes-Barre); and daughter, Tracy Bozentka and partner, Carl Ozehoski (New York City ).

She was Bobchi to 10 grandchildren: Tara (Adam), Ross (Cassie), Adam (Andrea), Jaime, Sarah (Dave), Jacob, Krzysztof (Catherine), Anah (Mitchell) Mykolas, Raymond and 5 great-grandchildren: Juliana, Temperence, RJ, Lilly, and Sophia. She is also survived by sisters, Theresa and Helen, and dear cousin, Peggy. In addition, Marie had a wealth of extended family members and friends for whom she cared deeply.

Marie was organic before her time and her incredible culinary creations were the center of our family and our traditions. Her passion for cooking came only second to her passion for her family. She was a true matriarch – providing advice, comfort, love, and SO MUCH LAUGHTER.

Mom, we love you and hope your heaven is a farm filled with lush, green pastures, abundant harvests, and, of course, your chickens.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, October 5th 11:00am at our Lady of Hope Parish (40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre). Friends may call prior to the mass starting at 10:00am.

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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.