Emily Ponas

Emily Ponas, 80, of Taylor, died Saturday evening at home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Ponas, in 1987.

Born in Taylor on Sept. 15, 1932, daughter of the late Stephen and Emma Schultz Hydeck, Emily was a graduate of Taylor High School. She returned to Taylor after traveling with her husband as he served in the Navy. Before retirement, she served as the food service director for Bishop O'Hara High School in Dunmore for 25 years. An active member of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Old Forge, she worked various fundraisers, including bingo, and was a former CCD instructor. A family-oriented woman who adored her son, grandchildren and siblings, she will be forever missed.

She is survived by a son, Matthew Ponas and wife, Kathy, Taylor; three grandchildren, Charles, Nicholas and Emma Rose Ponas, all of Taylor; a brother, Stephen Hydeck, Pocono Summit; two sisters, Romayne Koerner and Irene Slagan, both of Clarks Summit; many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Michael Hydeck.

Her family would like to thank the extraordinary staff of Traditional Home Health Hospice for the care they gave Emily.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with Divine Liturgy at 10 in St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Church, 140 Church St., Old Forge. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, 18517. Visit www.KearneyFuneralHome.com for directions or to leave an online condolence.