Esther Marie Donlon

Esther Marie Donlon, 69, of North Thomas Avenue, Kingston, died Tuesday at home.

She was born Feb. 28, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, daughter of the late Joseph and Esther Wilde Vitale.

Esther was a member of St. Ignatius Church, Kingston. She graduated in 1956 from Harter High School, West Nanticoke. Esther was employed by Mara Manufacturing Co., Nanticoke, and Sea Isle Sportswear, Wilkes-Barre. She was a member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union.

After retiring, she spent time with her family, which she enjoyed most. She took great pride in her grandchildren, sharing pictures and stories of their accomplishments.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph (Butch) Vitale, and son-in-law, Edward Mushal.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick James Donlon. They were married Feb. 20, 1959 in St. Francis Church, Nanticoke; daughter, Darlene and her husband, Glenn Ashton, Luzerne; daughter, Diane Mushal and her fiance, James Rollo, Hunlock Creek; granddaughters, Amie Byle, Luzerne; Christine Mushal, Hunlock Creek; grandsons, Stephen Mushal and Angel Rollo, both of Hunlock Creek; sisters, Carmela and her husband, Florian Michno, Nanticoke; Theresa Struble and her fiance, Earl Kallansrud, Nanticoke and Delaware; sisters-in-law, Anna Vitale, West Nanticoke; Betty Bloss, Wilkes-Barre; several nieces and nephews; many close friends and neighbors.

The family would like to thank all the kind and compassionate doctors and nurses who cared for Esther during her long and courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 9 a.m. from Piszczek-Desiderio Funeral Home Inc., 679 Carey Ave., Hanover Township, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Ignatius Church, North Maple Avenue, Kingston. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made in Esther's memory to Candy's Place, 190 Welles St., Forty Fort, PA 18704.