Dorothy Ann Zorko O'Connor

Dorothy Ann Zorko O'Connor, Nanticoke, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 18, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Askam, Hanover Township, on Oct. 12, 1930, she was the daughter of Anna Zorko and Andrew Solongovich. After graduating from Hanover Township High School in 1948, Dorothy began her life of love and adventure.

She moved to Washington, D.C., and was employed by the Pentagon, in the Immigration and Naturalization Office, and also the Department of the Army. While in Washington, D.C., she met the love of her life, William J. O'Connor. They were married at Fort Myers Chapel in Arlington, Va., on Dec. 16, 1950. Together they raised their five wonderful children. Dorothy continued her career, moving back to her roots in Pennsylvania and working for RCA in Mountain Top and the Commission of Economic Opportunity, Wilkes-Barre. Dorothy's work ethic and love of people kept her actively employed until she was 81 years old. One of her most rewarding positions was through the Senior Aide Program, Bureau of Aging, with worksites at the Mercy Center, Nanticoke; Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre; and Nanticoke Head Start. In each of these placements, she brought happiness and love to everyone she encountered, and she motivated an endless amount of people with her enthusiasm and drive.

Dorothy was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Hanover Township and Plymouth, for several decades. She was a member of St. Faustina's Church (formerly St. Joseph's Slovak Church), Nanticoke, and a member of the St. Joseph's Slovak Christian Women. Dorothy initiated the monthly bingo at her church, and she thoroughly enjoyed the game. She loved visiting the casinos and playing pinochle with her friends. Dorothy was a golf enthusiast, taking part in her husband's annual Golf Memorial, and she loved following golf pro Phil Mickelson. Dorothy valued tradition, passing those special memories to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured spending time with her family and truly defined the meanings of love, compassion, and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William, as well as her sister, Mary Kremenic, and her brother, Joseph Sitty, both of Askam; niece, Sandy Hart, Nanticoke; mother-in-law, Mary Przerocki Ecker, and father-in-law, Gilbert Ecker.

She is survived by five loving children, Denise O'Connor Manosky and husband, Mark, Mountain Top; Melissa Smith and husband, Gary, Nanticoke; William J. O'Connor Jr. and wife, Lynn, Hunlock Creek; Lisa Moughan and husband, Chris, Hellertown; and Mark O'Connor, Alden. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Helen (Babe) Solinski, Askam; seven adoring grandchildren, Craig Smith and wife, Shelby, Forty Fort; Deidre Smith Anchorstar and husband, Eric, Pottsville; Connor and Liam Moughan, Hellertown; Danielle, Kelsi, and Alexandra O'Connor, Alden; and three great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Natalie and Shepard Smith, who will forever cherish the time they shared and the lessons they learned from their "Baba."

Dorothy is also survived by her nieces, Mary Ann Kremenic, Nancy Cunard, Karen Cunard, all of Askam; nephews, George Kremenic, John Kremenic Jr., and Michael Kremenic, all of Askam; and by numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many dear friends, including caregiver, Josephine Turner-Smith, whose unconditional love, care, and friendship will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday from Earl W. Lohman Funeral Home Inc., 14 W. Green St., Nanticoke, with a Christian Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Faustina Church, Nanticoke. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.