Alice Musheno

Alice Musheno, 92, a lifelong West Scranton resident, died Tuesday evening at the Holy Family Residence in Scranton after an illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Joseph Musheno, on July 16, 1992.

Born Aug. 24, 1925, and daughter of the late Patrick and Catherine "Bessie" Busteed Merrick, Alice was a member of the first graduating class of West Scranton High School. Before retirement, she first worked for the Bell Telephone Co. as a switchboard operator and then the former West Side Hospital. Of Roman Catholic faith, she was a pillar of St. Patrick's Church Parish, faithfully volunteering for the church's annual picnic as well as belonging to the church's Altar and Rosary Society. She especially enjoyed quilting with the members of St. Patrick's Church quilters group. She also enjoyed all types of arts and crafts and had a special talent of making newborn baby bonnets from hankies. Her humor was memorable as she always had a fondness for telling jokes.

She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart, which was captured by a picture over her bed that included the names of her grandchildren along with the quote "Grandchildren are the treasures of a long life."

Affectionately called "Wheels" for always being on the go, she was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, who touched the lives of all who knew her. Leaving behind a lasting legacy with her adoring family, she will be forever missed.

Her family would like to thank the Little Sisters of the Poor, the entire staffs of both Holy Family Residence and St. Mary's Villa's Personal Care Residence for the wonderful care she received in her final years, to Dr. Anees Fogley for his many years of care and to Dr. Patrick Conaboy for his care at Holy Family Residence.

She is survived by her children, daughters, Mary Claire (Mame) Carpenter and husband, Mike, of Hudson, Massachusetts; and Christine Matthews and husband, Mike, of Altus, Oklahoma; and sons, Joe Musheno and wife, Pam, of Scranton; Jerry Musheno and wife, Michele, of Clarks Summit; Jack Musheno and wife, Sue, of Jessup; Mike Musheno and wife, Gayle, of Scranton; Pat Musheno and wife, Mary Ann, of Clarks Summit; and Dennis Musheno of Johnstown; 23 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jane Borawski and husband, John, of Manfield, New Jersey; and Betty Ostrander of Haskell, New Jersey; a sister-in-law, Gertrude Merrick of Bayshore, New York; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also preceding Alice in death were two daughters, Kathy Carbaugh and Anne Walsh, who both died in 2013; and siblings, Robert Merrick and Eileen Hunter.

Funeral services will begin on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. in the family room of Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave. in Scranton, with a 10:30 Mass of Christian Burial in the Holy Family Chapel, to be celebrated by the Rev. E. Francis Kelly, chaplain. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4 and 7 p.m. in the Residence's family room.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alice's name to Little Sisters of the Poor, c/o Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.

Arrangements are under the care of the Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Visit the funeral home's website for directions or to leave an online condolence.