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Bernadine Baluta Obituary
Bernadine B. Baluta, 78, of Shickshinny, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at her home.
Born July 6, 1945, in Nanticoke, she was a daughter of the late Chester and Dora Kaminski Baluta.
Bernie graduated from Northwest High School in 1963.
Being a nurse does not fully describe Bernie. She earned her nursing degree from Geisinger, Danville. Bernie felt a need to help the poor and those in most need. She served in the U.S. Air Force, as captain and served her country while stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where she administered to returning serviceman and their families.
After her tour of service, Bernie found herself on an Indian reservation in Arizona. There she solicited clothing, food, medical supplies and whatever else that might be needed at the Indian reservation orphanage.
When she returned home to Pennsylvania, she became a part of the Rural Health Organization in Shickshinny. Bernie had been aware of St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, and continued her mission of helping the poor and the homeless there for over 30 years.
She was a devout Catholic and would never miss a Mass or Novena. Bernie was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Mocanaqua.
She was a recipient of the Susan Merrill-Constance Kuzel Award, presented by the State of Pennsylvania to individuals whose contributions to society reflect the principals of justice and peace.
Bernie is survived by one brother, John and his wife, Karen, Shickshinny; two sisters, Barbara Baluta and her companion, Dave Poster, New York; and Sharon Baluta and her companion, Mike Nadeau, Shickshinny; six nieces and nephews; nine grand-nieces, grand-nephews; and her adored pets, Midnight, Timmy and Priscilla.
As per her wishes, there will be no public visitation. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in The Holy Spirit Parish/Church of St. Mary's, 150 Main St., Mocanaqua, with her pastor, the Rev. Louis T. Kaminski, officiating.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Mocanaqua.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernie's name to Pennsylvania Prolife at https://www.paprolife.org/ or the McKinney Homeless Clinic, 39 E. Jackson St., Wilkes Barre, PA 18701.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mayo Funeral Home Inc., Shickshinny.
For information or to send condolences, visit www.mayofh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernadine Baluta
Sponsored by Mayo Funeral Home, Inc. - Shickshinny.
The Salvation Army ARC
August 28, 2023
Bernie was one of the most generous and loving people we've ever known. She was always thinking of ways to help and bless other people. We will never forget the wonderful parties she planned for our residents of The Salvation Army ARC. She was such a blessing to us as well as to so many others in the community. She is loved and missed by so many, but we know that she is safe at home with her Heavenly Father. May God bless her family and loved ones in this time of sorrow. You continue to be in our prayers.
Kelly B
August 24, 2023
She helped me and my family years ago when we were in need. I will never ever forget her. Rest peacefully.God gained a beautiful Angel.
Christopher Calore
August 21, 2023
Bernadine surely is another Saint in Heaven. May she continue her prayers for our world.
Theresa Lisiewski,OFS
August 19, 2023
Bernadine and I met many years ago in the Secular Franciscan order. She was the epitome of the Franciscan Order by living the Gospel and there is no doubt she was received with open arms into her eternal home by our Lord and St Francis.
Theresa Lisiewski, OFS
Lora Ruckle
August 17, 2023
My classmate, my friend, a fellow nurse who gave her all in kindness and compassion to all who most needed care
Maryann Gashi-Butler
August 17, 2023
Bernie was and is an inspiration to a world in great need of a leader in these times of anger, inability to forgive and intolerance. Like Mother Theresa, Bernie simply was there for anyone and everyone, without judgment, and that loving presence was light. Joyous journey to you Bernie. You are now in the arms of Love Eternal. I hope to see you on the other side. Love & Prayers, Maryann.
Terry Ritts
August 17, 2023
Dear friends, I am so sorry for your loss.
james bach
August 16, 2023
she was a wonderful person who cared about others and always help the less fortunate this world needs more BERNIE BALUTA,S JIM BACH
Marilyn Namey
August 16, 2023
To Bernie´s family and all those who loved her; my deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful, Christ like woman who was an amazing nurse, peer, and blessing to so many. I witnessed her love for the unlovable, the care for those no one cared about, and her drive to make wrongs right. She was amazing, having enjoyed working with her at RHc for 10 years. God will surely greet her with open arms.
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Mayo Funeral Home, Inc. - Shickshinny77 North Main Street, Shickshinny, PA 18655
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