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Mary O'Konski Obituary
CHICAGO, Ill. — Our beloved daughter, Katie, passed into Eternal Life on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, in Chicago. She was born to Robert T. and Mary Beth (Sheridan) O'Konski on October 2, 1965, in Somerville, N.J.
Katie graduated from Bishop O'Reilly High School, Kingston, in 1983. In her junior year, she was awarded a summer scholarship to the Governor's School for the Arts at Bucknell University. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, in 1987, with a degree in Fine Arts. She worked at several art galleries in Chicago over the years. Katie was employed at Stone City in Chicago for 10 years, where she was vice president of commercial operations for International Marble & Granite Supply, heading up all their commercial projects.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Emmett and Kathryn Sheridan, Ashley; Leo and Catherine Barker, Wilkes-Barre, and Peter and Josephine O'Konski, Larksville; uncles, Jerome Cianfrini, Joseph Delmore, James O'Konski and John O'Konski.
Katie was a loving daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin and friend. She is survived by her parents, Robert and Mary Beth, Dallas; brother, Robert L. O'Konski; sister, Patricia M. O'Konski, and her brother, Thom O'Konski, and his wife, Michelle; nephews, Evan and Adam; nieces, Sarah and Ashley; many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; her godparents, Steve and Mary Lou Cook; and her beloved dogs, Petey and LuLu; and many friends.
She traveled extensively to place such as China, Hong Kong and Europe. She was an accomplished cook and loved to entertain friends and family. Katie loved watching old movies and shopping.
She will be dearly missed by her family and an extensive network of friends and professional contacts in Chicago and Pennsylvania.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday in Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas. Family and friends planning to attend the Mass are asked to go directly to the church on Thursday morning.
Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre and 10:30 to 11 a.m. in Gate of Heaven Church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting Katie's obituary at www.natandgawlasfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary O'Konski
Chris Corrigan
December 16, 2013
I just heard of Katie's passing tonight from a mutual college friend. In our time together at Carnegie Mellon I considered her a very dear friend. I was deeply saddened to hear the news and will always hold my memories of her deep in my heart.
Sandya Dandamudi
December 12, 2013
Katie - I will always remember you
John Brennan
December 4, 2013
Thoughts & Prayers to the O'Konski family , May Katie rest in peace ! BOR '83
December 4, 2013
Katie and I went to Governor's School for the Arts together, she for art and me for music. I believe her design was chosen from among many to grace the tee-shirt that was given to us as a commemoration that summer. I believe it is also the "official" logo for that summer. We were so proud to call each other "Govies" our senior year! She was a fun person, I really admired her. May she rest in peace.
Neil & Susan Chapman
December 4, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Greg Jerry
December 4, 2013
We were shocked and grievously saddened by this terrible news.
Godspeed at this most difficult time.
Cousins Greg and Jerry
Bernard Sult
December 4, 2013
My prayers go out the the O'Konski family and Katie.
Lynn Ritts
December 4, 2013
My sincerest sympathies to the O'Konski family. I remember Katie's wonderful artistic talent and always with a smile, so sorry to hear of her passing.
Camille Carson Stern
December 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire O'Konski Family. Katie was a wonderful young woman whom I will always remember fondly.
Kate Sheridan
December 3, 2013
The prayers and thoughts of the Michigan and Ohio Sheridan cousins are with you in your heartbreak. So terribly sorry for your loss.
December 3, 2013
My prayers to the O'Konski family. Katie was a great friend of mine in High School I will never forget the good times we had
Marianne Lehman Gregory Swoyersville
Susan Rutkoski
December 3, 2013
Katie was a fantastic and creative artist. I remember sitting across from her during art lessons with Sue Hand. Even though high school, just wonderful person, always smiling or laughing.
Peace, Prayers and Blessings to her and all her family~
April Petroski
December 3, 2013
I remember Katie from grade school and high school, she was a wonderful soul with a smile on her face all the time.
Molly Nelson
December 3, 2013
Katie's laugh will live forever in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew her and loved her.
mary lou orlando
December 3, 2013
Mary Beth, so sorry for your loss. I remember how proud you were of your daughter and how you would talk about your trips to Chicago. May your faith in the Lord give you strength at this very difficult time.
mary lou (from Dr. Kurzweil's office)
Janel Jorda
December 3, 2013
All my love and prayers to the entire O'Konski Family. I remember Katie so well - what a doll! God's got one amazing angel now! Love & Prayers, Janel
Patrick Hozempa
December 3, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Suzanne Lehman-Womach
December 2, 2013
I have beautiful memories of Katie during our youth group and high school days. My codolences and prayers to all of you
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Nat-Gawlas-Jordan Funeral Home - East89 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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