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BORN
1938
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Dorothy Koons Obituary
Dorothy "Duffy" (Siegel) Koons, 86, of Nuangola, Pa., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at LVHN Hospital in Hazleton, Pa.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on March 19, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy Laity Siegel.
Duffy lived a life overflowing with love, laughter and purpose. A devoted mother, grandmother, educator and friend, she touched countless lives with her warmth and unwavering optimism. As a dedicated deaf and hard-of-hearing instructor for the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, she was a fierce advocate for children with disabilities, ensuring they had every opportunity to thrive. But perhaps her greatest joy was found in the heart of her family, where she was the cornerstone of love, wisdom and, of course, the most legendary triple chocolate chip cookies.
Duffy's love for Lake Nuangola was unmatched — its waters reflecting the same joy and serenity she brought to those around her. She adored daisies, cherished the color green, and embraced every moment of life with boundless enthusiasm. She married the love of her life, Paul Donald Koons Sr., and together, they built a family rich in love and tradition.
Duffy's life was led by her unbounded faith in God. Her strong faith began with the First Presbyterian Church in Pottsville, continuing throughout her life. And she lived her faith. She was a proud and active member of the Presbyterian Church of Mountain Top and the Nuangola Union Chapel. Duffy volunteered at the Nuangola Library, Grove Theater, and teaching American Sign Language wherever she could. Duffy was a graduate of Pottsville Area High School and Albright University, where she developed her passion for education and advocacy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Donald Koons Sr.; and her brothers, Charles and Dr. Rev. Walter Siegel.
Her sister, Marion (Mimi) Bashore, continues to live on, carrying forward the strength and love of the Siegel and Laity legacy.
Left to carry on her legacy of love and laughter are her children: Molly (Koons) and Dave Simms; Paul Donald Jr. and Felice Koons; Stephen and Jane Koons; Gregory and Maria Koons; and Megan (Koons) and James Grant; and her treasured grandchildren: Ian Koons, Morgan Koons, Grayson Koons, Echo Koons, Peyton Koons, Callie Koons, Kieren Koons, Joshua Simms, Riley Grant and Breandan Grant.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Duffy's beautiful life at a viewing from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Presbyterian Church of Mountain Top, 9 Chestnut St., Mountain Top. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to McCune Funeral Home. The burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In honoring Duffy's memory, let us carry forward her love for life, her kindness and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nuangola Union Chapel, Nuangola Public Library, and/or Presbyterian Church of Mountain Top.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Koons
Karen Wallace Gaydosh
March 13, 2025
I was so sorry to hear Duffy's passing. I worked with her at Meyers. She was always positive, upbeat and could light up a room. May she rest in peace with her dear husband. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Karen Wallace Gaydosh
Patricia Bressler
March 13, 2025
Very saddened to hear of Duffy's passing. She was one of a kind. Knew her and her family growing up in Pottsville as her sister Mimi and I were good friends. She was a dear friend to my late sister and they shared many happy times together. I bet it's a great time to be in heaven now with the two of them there. Peace and love to all the family.
Mary Ann Murphy
March 12, 2025
To the Koons Family, I taught at Meyers across the hall from Duffy . She always brightened my day with her smile and upbeat attitude . I observed her having the same effect on the students who entered her classroom every day. Those of us who knew her will always think of her with love and admiration. My deepest sympathy to you on your loss.
Sincerely, Mary Ann Murphy
Joyce
March 10, 2025
Will always missed her. She use to be my teacher at Elmer Meyers highschool. With liu intermediate I will be grateful misses her.
Joyce
Jennifer & Madeline Tershak
March 9, 2025
Sending our sympathy...so sorry to hear about this. Duffy was always sweet and happy anytime we would see her. May she rest
in peace and may family and friends treasure memories with her. Duffy gave so much to the Nuangola community over the years.
Dolores Melman
March 9, 2025
So sorry for the loss of Dorothy to the Koons Family and the loss of a Wonderful Human Being in our world.Rest in Peace Dorothy.
Bill Yaninas
March 8, 2025
Have known Duffy and family since moving near the lake
in 1978. I always looked forward to Duffy bringing her
students to TYAD and looking for me to help in a tour since
I had 2 deaf co-workers. I will miss her chocolate chip cookies they just cannot be duplicated. After my wife's
passing Duffy said something that will always be with me.
"Don't you want them to be there when you get home"
Having known the Koons family is a treasure. RIP
Marybeth and Ethan Grant
March 8, 2025
Praying for peace for the Koons Family, especially my sister-in-law Megan, at this sad time. May the memories of your beautiful Mom ease your grief. She sure was a special lady.
Ann Zabroski
March 8, 2025
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Koons family. Duffy was a special woman always smiling and happy. She will be remembered always.
Ann/Tom Zabroski
John & Jean Iannotti
March 8, 2025
To the Koons family
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful and kind person. If we live up to her standards, what a wonderful world this would be.
Caryn and Skip Powers
March 7, 2025
I meant Duffy at a young age because of my friendship with her sister Mimi. She was such a gift in my life and that continued as we both became adults. After I married Skip and I would often go down to Duffy and Paul's and have a quiet visit in the afternoon....they were so joyful and full of love and we lived talking about our lake memories through the years . One day the family brought her back to the lake to visit and I remember that visit as though it was yesterday. We pray that God will embrace the Koons family and bring comfort and peace to you all. RIP Duffy....God has most certainly gained another angel....Love to you all...
Ronald Musto
March 7, 2025
Geg and Family,
Prayers.
Ron Musto
Megan Blau
March 6, 2025
So sorry to hear this, such a wonderful woman who had ability to make everyone feel special. The lake will not be the same without her. My condolences to the Koons family
Rob Coats
March 6, 2025
The night that we held the nuangola dance on the lakefront at Kirk and Lynn Griswold´s, with the band Souled Out Greg and Steve had told their mom to stay home at the Koons house on the lakefront. But she heard the music and couldn´t stand herself so she walked all the way down to the fire lane at the Lance Street dock where someone intercepted her and brought her to the dance, where she proceeded to dance for the next two hours until we could find Steve and Greg to come take care of her. The party girl to the end!
Lara J Dicus
March 6, 2025
Dear Koons family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was so kind, welcoming and funny! She went out of her way to be so friendly with everyone. She treated me like an equal and a friend when I was a kid and it meant a lot to me. I remember talking and laughing with her on the sidelines of many sporting events when I was growing up. Once I was doing girl scout canoeing camp next door to your family house....when we were done canoeing she'd invite our whole group over to have lunch on your deck and then go swimming from your dock. Those were such fun afternoons and it was so generous to just host a bunch of kids that happened to be there. As a mother myself and a teaching assistant I've often thought of her and how patient and kind and fun she was. She was an inspiration and I have often though of her over the years and I won't forget her.
Lara Grubert Dicus
Darlene morris
March 6, 2025
Duffy and I worked on many pta projects together during our kids school years. My heart is sad that she is gone. Duffy was the absolute Kindness and loving woman I ever met.she will be missed by all who knew her
Mary Ann Wynn, O´Brien
March 6, 2025
My sincere sympathy to the family of Dorothy. She was one of the loveliest ladies ever. I´m so very sorry for your loss she will be missed dearly.
Amy Grubert
March 6, 2025
I can still see her happily making fudge in her kitchen! Duffy was a bright light of joy and her spark will always endure.
Much love, prayers and thoughts for your family in this difficult time.
Amy Grubert
Beverly Cruikshank
March 6, 2025
Dear Koons Family, Heaven has gained another Angel . Duffy`s positive attitude and wonderful smile graced her at all times. I knew her from PTA, Field hockey games and volunteering at the Grove theater. Duffy is now in the arms of God and her dear husband, Paul. May God`s peace surround her wonderful family. Beverly Fisher-Cruikshank and Herb, and daughters
David Olekna
March 6, 2025
I am close friends with Walter & Joshua. Walt & I visited the lake & Stayed there many nights many years ago. I was a Beatles fan Walt a folksong fan. When I hear these names I think of two songs. John's In My Life. & Where Have All The Flowers Gone. Places of past & present loves numerous laughs & easier living. Duffy was a big part of that picture for me at Nuangola lake. A beautiful Smile & a wonderful sense of humor. May she rest in peace with her family that has passed.
Lee Evans
March 6, 2025
Greg and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I have fond memories of working with her at the LIU. She was very dedicated to her work and the students she served. Your mom was respected by all as a professional and advocated. Peace to your family.
Carla Moore
March 6, 2025
To the family, you have my deepest condolences & praying for you all. Again, so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Moore
Sandra
March 6, 2025
I met Duffy at Providence Place, where my husband was a resident. Sweet lady who was always longing to see her family who had passed on. May she rest in God's eternal peace.
Sincere sympathy to her family. Sandy
Punky Rusiloski
March 6, 2025
To know Duffy was to love her. Her wit and sense of humor were a delight, and her kindness and caring for others unmatched. She was one of my very favorite people in the whole world, and how blest we all were to have her in our lives. I will keep her in my heart and my prayers always. My love and condolences to the Koons family...thank you for sharing her with us all. xo Punky
Lina Santomauro
March 5, 2025
Duffy welcomed me into lake life when I moved there at age 37. She urged me to join the library board and we had so much fun! The stories she told are legend. And she made sure her grandchildren attended every story hour. Much love to the family. Library Lady
Miss Pride
March 5, 2025
Dear Family of Mrs Duffy,
I am very sorry.
I loved sharing the classroom with her at Meyers.
God bless your soul
Joyce Connell
March 5, 2025
What a lovely tribute to a truly wonderful woman.Being Duffy's friend for over 50 years was a honor and a blessing.Everyone knew and loved Duffy.She made every person feel special.She will always be remembered.Love Dave and Joyce Connell
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