1940
2022
Rita Antionette Sigo Tarnalicki passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Rita was born Aug. 16, 1940, to the late Joseph Sigo and Catherine Matowdlak Sigo, in Wilkes-Barre Twp.
She graduated from Smiths Nursing School before she graduated from Wilkes-Barre Twp. High School in 1958. She married her prince, Frank W. Tarnalicki, in October 1958. She worked in several purse and shoe factories in the area as a leather skiver. She was the co-founder and a charter member of the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She also worked as an assistant to Mrs. Welabob at the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Nursery School. She found her niche helping girls become young women by volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader for Penn's Woods Council for over 25 years.
When her husband, Frank, battled brain cancer, they received a prayer shawl which brought them both great comfort. She wanted to share that comfort with others after his passing in 2007. Rita utilized her love of knitting and crocheting to become the driving force behind the Prayer Shawl Ministry, along with some close friends, at Our Lady of Hope Church. They made prayer shawls for the sick, caps and blankets for local neonatal units and hats and scarves for those in need. Even during her last days, thinking of others, she tried to crochet for the ministry.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Frank; son, Joseph Tarnalicki; grandson, Erik Smith; sisters, Florence Zaruta, Marcella Zapotek and Elsie Krasanhill; and brother, Joseph Sigo.
Rita is survived by her children, Antionette Smith and husband, Ronald; Bernadette Gurnari and husband, Anthony; David Tarnalicki and fiancée, Josephine McCarthy; and Rachel Tarnalicki; grandchildren, Pamela and Kurt Smith; Eugene, Joseph and Deena Gurnari; and Joshua, Kristofer and Kathryn Tarnalicki; and great-grandchildren, Richard and Scarlett Smith; and Lilliana Gurnari.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday from Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 N. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. John S. Terry, pastor, will be celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
She was a patient of Hospice of the Sacred Heart and we would like to thank their inpatient and outpatient staff for all their kindness.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 53 Glenmaura National Blvd., Suite 120, Moosic, PA 18507.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services.
Wendy Williams
October 19, 2022
I'm so sorry to find out Rita passed away. I worked with her for many many years at the Girl Scouts and missed her dearly at the voting poles when I went to vote. She truly was a sweet, funny, woman and will be missed.
Sharon Gancarcik, Auxiliary 781, Mt. Top
October 17, 2022
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Thoughts and prayers are with you, may she rest in peace.
Nicole Forbus
October 15, 2022
Pamela & Family:
So very sorry for your loss. Ms Rita was always so kind to me whenever I stopped by with Pam upon my visits to PA. Holding your family in prayer. God bless,
Nicole
Darlene Modla (Sokoloski)
October 13, 2022
Dear Rachel and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.
Mary Ann (Peritch) Piscotty
October 12, 2022
Rita was a friend and classmate. So very sorry to hear of her passing. Sending condolences and prayers to her family. May she rest in peace.
Bernadine Elick
October 12, 2022
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go to Rita's family. She will always be remembered for all the wonderful things she has done for the children and community.
Ann Wielgopolski
October 12, 2022
Sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace!
dortha slabinski bienick
October 12, 2022
To Bernadette and all the family - So sorry for your loss of your mother - Thoughts and prayers always and may you find comfort from family and friends in this time of loss.
Jim Smith
October 12, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the Tarnalicki Family.
denise carey
October 12, 2022
So very sorry for your loss
ANTHONYI ORZECHOWSKI
October 11, 2022
IAM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ANTHONY
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Oct
16
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Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services21 N Meade St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Oct
17
9:30 a.m.
Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services21 N Meade St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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Jendrzejewski Funeral & Cremation Services21 N Meade St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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