Carolann was born in Edwardsville, Feb. 13, 1946. She was the beloved daughter to the late Michael and Veronica Shemanski Valanski. Carolann was a graduate of Edwardsville High School, Class of 1963, received her bachelor's degree from College Misericordia in 1967 and her master's degree from The University of Scranton.

Carolann started her teaching career at Washington Avenue Elementary School. She then moved to State Street Elementary School when it opened and enjoyed teaching fourth grade students until her retirement in 2004. She joyfully received the honor of being chosen for Who's Who Among Teachers, which further demonstrated the impact she had on her students. She dedicated 37 years to educating and enriching children's lives.

She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Annunciation Church, Kingston, until its closing, and then Holy Family Parish, Luzerne.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Frank and Elizabeth Simanskis; paternal grandparents, George and Mary Valanski; stepfather, Malcher Ricko; young siblings, Michael Valanski Jr. and Rita Valanski; and brother, Eugene Valanski.

Carolann is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Andrew; daughter, Marisa and her husband, Stephen Aulenbach; granddaughters, Abigail and Angelina; and sister-in-law, Joann and her husband, Mark Munzing.

Carolann took pride in her career and cherished spending time with her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy. She enjoyed traveling all over Europe and the Caribbean with her husband. She will be sorely missed by her husband, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Brain Tumor Center fund at Columbia Neurology (https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/about-us/ways-give - select Brain Tumor Center fund).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in Holy Family Parish, Luzerne. Interment will be held in St. Mary's Annunciation Cemetery, Pringle.

Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday in Holy Family Parish, prior to the Mass.

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

Published by Citizens Voice from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Carolann Puk

9 Entries

james

January 29, 2024

R.I.P. to one of the most genuine & gifted teachers. A pleasure to have known you, both in Edwardsville & Courtdale.Sorry for your loss Andy. Jim Youngblood

Elizabeth Montigney Jones

January 28, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Puk. I´d like to express my deepest sympathy to her family and to all who knew her. Miss Valanski, who then became Mrs. Puk when she was my teacher at Washington Avenue Elementary, was my favorite teacher of all time. I often thought about finding her to thank her for making me feel so special. She provided enormous inspiration that had a great impact on my life. She was so kind and her teaching skills were beyond compare. The world needs more teachers like her. May God bless her beautiful soul and give strength to her loved ones.

Patricia Giordano

January 27, 2024

My sincere condolences to Andy and Marisa on the loss of your dear wife and mother. I treasure all the years Carol and I enjoyed together, both at work and socially. We had so many fun times together. She will be greatly missed.

Dianne Shaulis

January 27, 2024

From Washington Ave. to State Street, and beyond I will never forget my dear friend and teaching buddy. Oh the fun we had! Your sense of humor and way of looking at things made teaching fun. We shared a lot of good times and bad times over the years, and you were an inspiration to me. you always called me Di. Love you, Di.

Brenda Gomb (Yurish)

January 27, 2024

Mr. Puk and Marisa,

I´m so very sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember her treating me so well when Marisa and I were kids. You are in my thoughts.

Geri Kowalski

January 27, 2024

I'm deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Carol Ann. I knew Carol from the gym. We shared so many laughs and good times.

Ann Jefferson Roman

January 27, 2024

I am so saddened by this. I was privileged to work with Carol for many years. I learned so much from her professionally and personally. Carol had a quick sense of humor and always made me laugh. We all were blessed to know her.

Lisa Gimble

January 27, 2024

With my sincere sympathy.
One of my favorite 5th grade teachers at Washington Ave Grade School. She made school fun.
Rest in Peace Mrs. Puk.

Mary Ann Zawadski Kingeter

January 27, 2024

She was my fourth grade teacher and also my sons fourth grade teacher, I will always remember you Mrs Puk as a kind and loving teacher! You made a difference in so many lives!

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