Ann Mary Shinko

Ann Mary Shinko, 69, of Factoryville passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center, Scranton. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Carl J. Shinko.

Born on February 26, 1955 in Pittston, she is the daughter of the late Harry and Ann (Molloy) Scoble.

Ann was a 1973 graduate of Wyoming Area High School. At 15 years old, she met the love of her life, 16-year-old Carl, while they were both working at St. Leo's in Ashley and thus began their life together.

Ann loved spending time with family and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed good food, laughs, and camaraderie. She was quick to bring levity to the room with a song, the "cheetah story," a kazoo solo, or unabashedly be out on the dance floor at weddings. She loved those around her deeply and fiercely. She also loved animals, including her two cats, Lumpy (aka Ginger Prince) and Koneko (aka BooBoo).

Ann worked hard throughout her life to support her family. She was beloved by colleagues at the numerous jobs she held. Her kindness and compassion knew no bounds, and she would quite literally give the shirt off her back or last dollar to those in need. She was a fierce advocate for the downtrodden, the voiceless, and the fearful. She was not afraid to authentically speak her mind or speak truth to power. Words cannot convey the compassion Ann had for others which she modeled for her children and anyone who had the gift of knowing her.

Ann was a woman of many talents and enjoyed numerous activities. She enjoyed cooking and was an avid reader, having an impressive collection of books garnered throughout her life. A self-proclaimed wordsmith, she enjoyed telling (and embellishing) colorful stories while connecting with others. She found joy in the precious simple moments of life such as crocheting, enjoying movies at home with popcorn and iced tea, or watching spiders make webs on the old farmhouse windows.

Ann was a long-time member of the Nativity BVM Church family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by son, Carl V. Shinko; daughters, Mary Gerrity and husband Mike, Kate Shinko and husband Len Kalechitz, Anne Marie Shinko; sister, Geraldine Youells; brother, Marty Scoble; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Sean Gerrity; several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by sisters, Kathy Weed, Patsy Murman; brothers, John, Bill, and Paul Scoble.

Family and friends are invited to attend Ann's Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 99 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657 to be celebrated by Rev. Patrick Albert.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass on Saturday.

The family asks that to honor Ann, please consider an act of kindness or compassion to be shared with a human or animal in need, or unapologetically be the first out on the dance floor.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

Please visit the funeral home website to share memories or extend condolences.