Paula C. Kalinoski

Paula Christine Marie Kalinoski, 40, died unexpectedly Saturday, October 18, 2014 at her home in Throop. She was the daughter of Felix P. Kalinoski and the very recently departed Rosalie A. (Kallay) Kalinoski. A 1992 graduate of Bishop O'Hara High School, she was the recipient of the Roy A. Kroc Youth Achievement Award for demonstrating all-around excellence in the areas of citizenship, leadership, scholarship and extracurricular activities; was elected Student Council vice president, served as a Congressional Scholar representing Pennsylvania in the National Young Leaders Conference held in Washington, D.C., and was awarded a Presidential Scholarship to Albright College, where she majored in nutrition and dietetics. She was a member of the former St. Mary's Hungarian Roman Catholic Church, Throop, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Throop, Pa.

She was formerly employed by Allied Services, Scranton, as a certified rehabilitation nurse aide, where she received Allied Services Corporate Safety Award for her efforts to promote safety awareness in the workplace and exemplary performance in emergency situations. Previously, she was employed in food services and cosmetology sales.

Paula was gifted in many dimensions of life, especially in the arts and sports. She was a talented softball player for the Bishop O'Hara Bruins Softball Team, where she was a 1990 Lackawanna AA Southern Division All-Star and was awarded the Offensive Player Award for the 1991 season. She continued playing softball for a variety of travel teams including the Northeast Stars, a softball team that participated in tournaments throughout Pennsylvania and New York. Paula also had a creative mind with an artistic flair. She enjoyed calligraphy and personalizing gifts for her family and friends.

Paula possessed a spark­ling and radiant personality, attracting friends across all walks of life. An ardent supporter of those less fortunate, she was a cheerleader for societal underdogs. She was especially fond of children, enjoying the spoiling role of aunt and being a proud godmother. Hers was a good and generous heart.

Surviving are her beloved daughter, Kayla Kalinoski, Throop; father, Felix P. Kalinoski, Throop; five siblings, David Kalinoski (Cheryl), Harrisburg, Pa.; Robert Kalinoski, Throop, Pa.; Linda Crambo (Stanley), Moscow, Pa.; Lisa MacKinnon (Douglas), York, Pa.; and Craig Kalinoski, Throop, Pa.; along with 16 nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 27, 2014 at 9 a.m. from the John J. Turko & Sons Funeral Home, 402 Boulevard Avenue, Dickson City, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Parish at St. Anthony's Church, 215 Rebecca St., Throop, to be celebrated by Monsignor Michael J. Delaney, pastor. Interment services will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Throop.

Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Paula's memory to St. Mary's Magyar Chapel, c/o Blessed Sacrament Parish, 215 Rebecca St., Throop, PA 18512.