Martha Parrell

1921 - 2022

Our dear mother Martha (Santore) Parrell sadly passed away Monday at age of 101.

Born in Hazleton, Oct. 26, 1921, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary Santore. Martha was the last surviving sibling of the Santore family.

Martha was a member of Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church. She was a women of strong faith, loved doing for others and will be remembered for that unique quality about herself. As a young mother, Martha worked at Berman's children store and Tung-Sol, Hazleton. After her husband passed, she worked at Holiday Inn as a morning hostess and retired from the Area Agency on Aging as a home caregiver.

Martha was passionate for baking her delicious cakes and cookies and also knitting afghans for family and friends. She enjoyed going on birthday vacations with her daughters as well as spending time with her beautiful grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Martha's words of wisdom were, "the best of it," and that she did, with her strength, courage and zest of life. She will be dearly missed by all.

Martha was a member of the St. John Bosco Young at Heart, Drums Garden Club and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. The family is very grateful for the love, care and dedicated attention she received from the nurses, staff and administrators while at Mountain Top Senior Care. The family extends sincere appreciation to Drs. Philip and Daniel Benyo, Hospice of Scared Heart, Compassionate Care, Tarone's Market and Johnson Pharmacy. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Nicholas E. Parrell, in 1968; daughter, Martha Jayne St. Mary, in 2021; son-in-law, Donald Sabatino, in 2012; grandson, Paul McCarthy, in 2012; brothers, Michael and James; and sisters, Agnes Lacava, Eleanor Dezogottis, Josephine Robinston, Alvera Russo and Liza Wagner.

Surviving are her children, Natalaie Sabatino, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; and Nancy Defazio and husband, Francis, Drums; son-in-law, Nicholas St. Mary, Beaver Meadows; grandchildren, James, Donald, Sammy and Jamie Lozano; Nicolena McCarthy; Janie Espenshade; and Nicholas St. Mary; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the church.

Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent through www.moranfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in Martha's memory to Meals on Wheels or to the charity of one's own choice.