Marilyn Tedesco

1945 - 2023

Marilyn Tedesco, 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, while in care of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Fritzingertown Senior Living, Drums.

Daughter of the late Carmen "Jiggsy" and Mary (Stracuzzi) Lesante, Marilyn was born Saturday, Sept. 22, 1945, in Hazleton, and resided in Pardeesville until 2019 when she relocated to Fritzingertown Assisted Living Apartments.

She graduated from Hazle Township & McCann School of Business. Marilyn went on to become a bookkeeper for many area businesses including T&F Trucking, Moratto & Lesante & Franzosa Trucking Hazleton. She retired in 2019.

Marilyn embraced her religion & was an active member of St. Nazarius Roman Catholic Church in Pardeesville, followed by Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Drums. She was a member of the choir, volunteered in various committees, including the monthly breakfast, the environmental committee and many more. She was a violinist for the family music ministry.

Marilyn was a member of the Hazleton Garden Club where she served as secretary and participated in many charity events. She enjoyed the Hazleton Area Cougar Basketball games and was an avid fan, attending the games with her friend Lee Ann Perry. She enjoyed baking, cooking for large parties, shopping, decorating and crafts. Marilyn volunteered her time and talents to many organizations throughout the area. Her petite stature did not define her "bigger than life" personality and humor. Marilyn was able to see other's needs and acted on it. Her greatest joy was helping others.

While residing at Fritzingertown, she participated in all of the activities, exercise class, cooking, art, crafts, bingo, attending Mass, reading and outings. Marilyn had a sweet tooth with a passion for croissants, mini powdered sugar donuts and pizza.

Although Marilyn was not blessed with children, she was loved and referred to as Aunt Marilyn.

She was predeceased, in addition to her parents, by her aunt and uncle, Rose and Dominic "Mickey" Ladigan.

Marilyn is survived by her loving cousin, "Brother" Samuel J. Lesante, Sr. and his wife, Debbie, who became her caregivers, their children, who lovingly referred to her as "Aunt Marilyn," Jeannine (Lesante) George and husband, Jeff, Jeannine's children, Alyssa and Mason, Samuel J. Lesante Jr. and wife, Lori, their daughter, Isabella; Rose Lee Bednarz and husband, Edward Jr. and their children, Edward III and Selena Clark and their families; her dear cousins, Rachelle Ladigan and family, Kunkletown, Gary Ladigan and wife, Kathy, Florida, Robert Angelo and Carole Manjoney, Conn; her dear friends, Lee Ann Perry, Angeline Cameron (her "Pardeesville Gazette" cohort), Jackie Cameron and sons, Adam and Danton, Marilyn's godson, Judy Bonomo and many, many more.

Sam and Debbie Lesante and Family express their deepest appreciation and thanks to Paula Hahn and all of the dedicated and loving caregivers and staff at Fritzingertown Senior Living for all of their care, love, support and friendship given to Marilyn and family during her residence. Everyone became "family." Special thanks to Lee Ann Perry, for her many visits, calls and outings, Karen Riccutti, Rocco and Lisa Arruzo, Angie and Jackie Cameron and Judy Bonomo, for all of their assistance. Debbie Marchese Beauty Salon, the Rev. Michael Kloton and the choir from Good Shepherd Church, Joe and Missy Moran/Moran Funeral Home, Dr. Philip Benyo and staff and to everyone who visited, called or helped us and Marilyn in any way. For all the support with your prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, masses, etc. Your kindness is heartfelt and overwhelming. You will remain in our hearts and prayers. God bless each of you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Good Shepherd RC Church, Rt. 309, Drums, followed by a burial in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 1 p.m. to service time Tuesday in the church. There will be no viewing at the funeral home. All attending are asked to go directly to the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton. Condolences can be sent through www

.moranfuneralhome.com.