Marie E. Oswald

1926 - 2021

Marie E. Oswald, 94, of Walnut Street, Ashland, passed away Thursday, Aug. 26, at Green Valley Skilled Nursing Facility.

Born Aug. 28, 1926, in Ashland, she was a daughter of the late Frank L. and Margaret (Amann) Burke.

She was a 1944 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Ashland, where she was active in the library and voted May Queen as a senior.

Marie graduated from St. Joseph's Nursing School, Philadelphia, in 1947. She worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years. She began her career in the men's ward at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. She next cared for terminally ill cancer patients at Rosary Hill, N.Y. She worked in Philadelphia as a school nurse and in private duty. Marie then worked at the Ashland State General Hospital in the operating room. Due to a strong devotion to her family, she worked as a private duty nurse in Ashland at night and raised her four sons during the day. She finished her career at the Mount Carmel Nursing Center.

Marie was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Ashland. She was active for many years in the Catholic Daughters of America and served as the treasurer for several years. She was a member of Catholic Nurses Guild, as well as Friends of St Joseph at her parish.

Marie's life was centered on Christ. She developed a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother as a young girl. She was a constant example of our Lord's call to self-sacrificing love. Those who knew and loved her could attest to her powerful prayer life and unwavering faith.

Marie grew up one of three girls and relished family life with her four sons. She enjoyed camping trips to Tobyhanna State Park as well as weekend cookouts at the Higher Ups and Ideal parks. She grew to love sports and enjoyed cheering for her sons in numerous events over the years. Marie adored her five grandchildren and enjoyed every minute spent with them.

Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Joseph, who she loved dancing with, and her sister, Peggy Burke.

Surviving are her four sons and families, Gerard (Beth), Sterling Va., Joseph Ashland, Jim (Suzie), Ashland, Frank (Laura), Danville; a sister, Frances McGrath, Pottsville. She also leaves behind five grandchildren and the lights of her life, Michael, Anthony and Matthew Oswald and Emily and Grace Salerno-Oswald.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, in St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland. The Rev. Brian Miller will officiate. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, and 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Ashland. Memorials can be made to Rosary Hill Home, 600 Linda Ave., Hawthorne, N.Y. 10532. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc., Charles Heizenroth III, supervisor, is in charge. Visit www.kullfuneral.com.