WILKES-BARRE — Sylvia Waskiewicz, 95, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, after a brief stay at The Gardens at East Mountain, Wilkes-Barre.

Born May 20, 1925, in the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Baptista Rodriguez and Elizabeth Evans Rodriguez.

Upon graduating from James M. Coughlin High School in 1943, Sylvia moved to Philadelphia and worked for the U.S. Army Signal Corps and Curtis Publishing.

After returning to Wilkes-Barre, marrying and raising her children, Sylvia worked for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, followed by Standard Brands (later Nabisco Brands), where she enjoyed playing Mrs. Claus at the company's Christmas party for employees and their families. She retired in 2004 at the age of 79.

She was a member of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre.

Sylvia enjoyed singing in church choirs, polka dancing and dining out. She especially enjoyed breakfast with the regulars at Abe's on Barney Street. She loved to travel, and made several trips to Spain as well as France, England, Canada and across the United States. Parsons was home, however, and she was happy to say she had resided there almost her entire life.

In addition to her husband, Joseph C. Waskiewicz Sr., she was preceded in death by an infant son, Stanley; son, Joseph C. Jr.; and sisters, Lola Parapar, Laila Parapar de Jerez, Lola Mishkula and Alice Childs.

Sylvia is survived by children, Juanita (Charles) Thomas, of Wilkes-Barre; John, of San Antonio, Texas; Robert, of Wilkes-Barre; Juliann (Mark) Phillips, of Edwardsville; daughter-in-law, Lin Waskiewicz, of San Gabriel, Calif.; brother-in-law, Bill Childs, of Catonsville, Md.; sister-in-law, Bernadine Banaszek, of Wilkes-Barre; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Memorials donations may be made to St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Waskiewicz

5 Entries

HOWARD SPECHT

November 27, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Jimmy mishkula

November 25, 2020

Dear Nita & family, were so sorry to hear of your moms passing. Aunt sylvia was a very special lady, she always had that big beautiful smile on her face. She's in good hands with all the family in heaven. God bless her. Sending our love and prayers to all of you. Jimmy and sume mishkula

Annabelle Suchoski

November 25, 2020

Sylvia was a kind and loving person. We spent mAny good times in the Sacred Heart Church choir in Plains. My deepest condolences to her family.

March 2014 at the Red Lobster in W-B

Dawn McGroarty

November 25, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Sylvia was more than family. She was more than Grams sister. I will miss her warmth, kindness, knowledge of the family, her advice most of all her smile. When I miss her I will be playing Polkas and dancing right along with her!! Rest in Peace Aunt Sylvia. Enjoy your time with everyone in Heaven!!!

The picture is one of the last times I saw Aunt Sylvia. I had just moved back home from living on the West Coast. Mommy and Aunt Carole and Aunt Sylvia had a tradition of a meeting I believe, it was weekly or every other week on a Friday. They would all get together and just talk like they did in old days. I am grateful I was there and got the Picture. Mom, Aunt Debbie, and Now Aunt Sylvia are all gone. I miss them all very much but, I am comforted knowing they are all together. Feel free to download the photo and keep it.

Sending love and hugs to everyone!!!

Sandi Kitsmiller

November 25, 2020

Dear Nita and family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. It is never easy to lose a Mother no matter how many years you were fortunate enough to have had with her. Please know that all of you are in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Gary and Sandi Kitsmiller

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

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159 George Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705

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