Josephine P. "JoJo" Maliszewski

SHAMOKIN — On Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, Josephine P. "JoJo" Maliszewski, of Shamokin, the youngest daughter of the late Rose and Ambrose Disori, passed away to a heavenly world.

JoJo was born Jan. 23, 1931, the youngest of twin daughters, and her passing leaves Mary Pensyl, her sister, behind.

On June 5, 1948, JoJo married Frank J. Maliszewski, who preceded her in death. Together they raised three children, Joseph C. (the late Diane) Maliszewski, of Coal Township, Marianne F. (Joseph) Halko, of Elysburg, and Hedy L. Maliszewski of Greensboro, North Carolina.

In addition to JoJo's surviving sister, Mary, she was preceded in death by the following siblings Angeline, Eleanor, Frank, Marion and Antionette.

JoJo spent most of her life in Shamokin's Fifth Ward, helping to raise her family and supporting her husband run Frank's Café, a small coal region neighborhood tavern on Shamokin Street, until they closed in 1974. Playing cards and bingo and attending the various shopping trips and socials at the Shamokin Senior Action Center were JoJo's favorite pastimes.

She was an avid pinochle player and her card savvy made her difficult to beat. JoJo also enjoyed reading the newspaper and watching the news daily.

She was a member of Mother Cabrini Church, Shamokin.

Later in life after Frank's passing, JoJo relocated to Lincoln Towers on Mulberry Street in Shamokin. There she established many fond friendships and without doubt will be missed by the community. As JoJo grew ill, she moved on for a short time to Emmanuel Home, an assisted living facility in Northumberland. Like the Towers, JoJo established warm friendships with both the staff and residents. As JoJo's illness progressed, she relocated to Nottingham Village, Northumberland, where she would spend the last few months of her life.

JoJo's life could be easily summarized as person of quick wit who loved her family, her friends and socializing.

MALISZEWSKI — Josephine P. "JoJo" Maliszewski, 85, of Shamokin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Mother Cabrini Church, Shamokin. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. Viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the Stephen A. Chowka Funeral Home, 114 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Shamokin/Coal Township Senior Action Center, 210 E. Independence St., Shamokin 17872.