Sheila E. Czarkowski

CLARKS SUMMIT — Sheila E. (Kelly) Czarkowski, of Clarks Summit, formerly of Dickson City, died unexpectedly in Bradenton, Florida, on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016.

Sheila Kelly, of Falls, was born on Feb. 2, 1950, in Pittston. She was married to Thomas Sr., her husband of 43 years and recently celebrated her 66th birthday.

Sheila graduated from Wyoming Area High School and received her Master of Arts in education from East Stroudsburg University. She taught in the Abington Heights School District, at Grove Street Elementary, and Abington Middle School for 35 years, prior to her retirement in 2006.

Sheila was devoted to prayer and the Catholic Church and served as a lector and member of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Dickson City.

Sheila had an unconditional and unending love for her husband, children and her cherished grandchildren. She was an avid reader and a lover of life who spent endless hours with her grandchildren sharing her love of reading with them and teaching them the beautiful lessons of life. She worked tirelessly to instill upon her family and grandchildren the importance of being loving and caring people.

In 2004, Sheila and Tom purchased their dream "doll house" home in Clermont, Florida, as their winter retreat.

Sheila had a special gift for being able to see the positive in everyone's life she touched – and there were many! Sheila's smile, her positive demeanor and outgoing personality were contagious which allowed her to form many friendships, which made her that special person. She was selfless, honest, compassionate and always offered a friendly and warm shoulder to lean on.

This warmth carried over for her love and loyalty to her dog, Gizmo.

Sheila served as the matriarch of her family. She had a love of cooking for her family and dedicated herself to maintaining and instilling the importance of cherishing and honoring family traditions.

Sheila is survived by the love of her life, Tom, and children: Thomas Jr. and his spouse, Michelle, Clarks Summit, Kevin and his spouse, Denise, Vicenza, Italy, and Sheila Ann Zezza and her spouse, David, Downingtown. She is survived by nine grandchildren, Peter Gentile, Ava and Kate Czarkowski, Nicholas, Sofia and Noah Czarkowski, and David, Ryan and Michael Zezza. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition, Sheila is survived by her mother, Rose Emma Kelly, Pittston; and eight brothers and sisters, Joseph Kelly and his spouse, Anne, Jupiter, Florida, Michael Kelly and his spouse, LeDonne, Wyoming, Rosemary Soricelli and her spouse, Duane, Lafayette Hill, Patricia Xenakis and her spouse, Randall, Dallas, the Rev. Brian F. Kelly, Carlsbad, California, Celestine Calpin and her spouse, Robert, West Pittston, Maureen Chiavacci, Clarks Summit, Mark Kelly and his spouse, Michelle, Beachwood, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph P. Kelly Jr.; and father- and mother-in-law, Stanley and Margaret Czarkowski.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from the Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home Inc., 601 Dundaff St., Dickson City, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dickson City. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

For directions or to leave an online condolence, visit the funeral home website.

In honor of Sheila's love of reading and teaching, contributions can be made to the Valley Community Library, Peckville.