Ann Marie Gries

Ann Marie Gries, 93, of Dallas, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and DeSales Ferko. An alumna of St. Rose High School in Carbondale, Ann Marie furthered her education at Marywood University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in home economics. She also attended Columbia University Teachers College.

Following graduation from Marywood, Ann Marie moved to East Orange, N.J., where she taught nursing students about diet and nutrition. She also worked as a dietician in a New Jersey hospital for several years. After seeing an ad for a Home Economist for PP&L, she returned to Wilkes-Barre to continue her career, part of which involved raising money for non-profit organizations in the area. While at PP&L, she also anchored a cooking show called "Kitchen Magic," which was featured on WBRE-TV for several years.

Following the birth of Ann Marie's three children, she returned to Marywood University and enrolled in its graduate program, where she earned a master's degree in library science. Upon graduation, Ann Marie took a position as a librarian for the Dallas School District at the junior high school. She was one of the first librarians in the Wyoming Valley to introduce computers for student learning into a library setting. Ann Marie loved her work. It was this love for the job that made a positive impact on so many students and colleagues over her 30 years of service. She was a member of many education associations prior to her retirement in 1993.

Ann Marie was a lifelong member of Gate of Heaven Parish in Dallas, where she was a Lector and a member of their Altar and Rosary Society. She also did volunteer work for St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre. An avid reader, she loved to travel with her family and visit with friends.

In addition to her parents, Ann Marie was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Joseph B. Gries, in 2018, and son-in-law, Robert D. Elias.

Surviving are her children, Colleen Gallagher and husband, James; grandson, Matthew, Bridgewater, N.J.; Maurita Elias, Dallas; Joseph B. II, Dallas; sister, Jean Williamson and husband Dr. Michael Williamson, Fla.; cousins, niece, and nephews.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. in St. Frances Cabrini Church, Mt. Olivet Road, Wyoming. Rev. Joseph Pisaneschi will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the funeral home.