Gaetana "Tina" Wnorowski

Gaetana Tina "Nonni" Wnorowski, 84, of Old Forge, died peacefully on Saturday night at Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Taylor, surrounded by her loving family. Her husband is Eugene Wnorowski. The couple would have celebrated 58 years of marriage on Nov. 28.

Gaetana "Tina" Wnorowski, of Old Forge, was born Feb. 9, 1938, in Kingston, the daughter of the late James and Pauline (Noto) Rizzo. Tina was a 1955 graduate of Pittston Area High School and worked for the family businesses (Rizzo's Food Market and the Moonlite Drive-In), IBM and Tobyhanna Army Depot until she married the love of her life, Eugene. She then traveled the states as she raised her family with "Gene," who served 21 years in the United States Coast Guard. Following his retirement, Tina worked as a private duty nurse's aide.

Her most important roles were wife and mom. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved to converse and would sometimes say she was short of the 10,000 words she needed to say every day. She would also say, "The W in my last name is silent, but I'm not."

Tina, while living in Pittsburgh, Pa., was led to Jesus as her personal Savior in 1972. It was then she asked Him into her heart at a Bible Study. She studied the Bible diligently and her mission soon became spreading His love to others. She would buy and carry little books, along with her tissues and lipstick, to lead others to Jesus. She wanted everyone to accept Him into their hearts and told them to make sure they "sign" the book. Tina was a "prayer warrior" and spent many hours in prayer on the computer and phone.

She will truly be missed but we know she is patiently waiting in heaven for all her loved ones, friends and even the strangers she led to the Lord. Tina was a member of the Moosic Assembly of God Church for many years until she could no longer attend. Church became daily as she found many channels on TV to turn to when she was not watching Judge Judy.

Surviving are a daughter, Paula J. Welsh, Old Forge; a son, David J. Wnorowski and wife, Anne, Manhattan, N.Y. She was affectionately known as "Nonni" to her three grandchildren, Warren, Kevin and Lindsey and their friends; her loving brother, Samuel Rizzo and wife, Barbara, Hazleton; Tina's youngest sister, Paulette, Old Forge; and many nieces and nephews. The family's dog, Brutus, and his trusty companion, Bo, will miss protecting her and barking at everyone who came in the door.

She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Blesine "Blaze" Glazenski; other family members, and many of her dear friends who shared her love for Jesus.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kenneth Sebastianelli, Dr. Guy Fasciana and their staff; the caring nurses, aides and staff from Comprehensive Home Health; the amazing staff at Guardian (Riverside) Health Care, Taylor, Pa., where she spent her last days and Compassionate Home Health and Hospice, who ensured she was comfortable on her journey to heaven. A very special thank you to Patty Mulrooney who provided care to both Tina and Gene the past two years.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, at Amadeo's Italian Restaurant, 4001 Birney Ave., Moosic, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity close to their heart in her memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., Old Forge. To leave an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.