Genevieve Vesko

Genevieve T. (Barilka) Vesko, 105, Clarks Summit, entered eternal life Friday at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania. She was the widow of Nicholas Vesko, who died June 21, 1972.

Born on Jan. 23, 1915, in Olyphant, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Helen (Budash) Barilka.

Formerly of Olyphant, she was educated in the Olyphant Schools and was a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Church. Since moving to Clarks Summit, she was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Snows Church.

A gracious and generous woman, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. An accomplished seamstress, she sewed and made clothing for her family to proudly wear. She was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed sharing her ethnic recipes with family and friends. Genevieve was affectionately known as Gram and Aunt Gen, the cookie baker. A true lady of strong faith, she was a daily communicant having attended Mass faithfully. Her gentleness and smile will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Genevieve’s family wishes to thank the entire staff of the Jewish Home for their loving care and concern for Mom, especially as they referred to the “dear ones on the fourth floor.”

Surviving are two daughters, Geraldine Chopko and husband, Dr. Francis J., South Abington Twp.; and Mary Ann Pieski and husband, Emil, Clarks Green; six grandchildren, Francis and Joseph Chopko, Anne Puteri, Michele Spencer, Suzanne Coviello and Emil Pieski; 11 great-grandchildren: Melissa, Eric and Nichole Spencer, Jessica, Nicholas and Alina Chopko, Salvatore, Isabella and Dominic Coviello and Emily and Elena Pieski; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Michael Vesko, and a great-grandson, Vincenzo Coviello; three brothers, John, Michael, and Stephen Barilka; and five sisters, Anna Roble, Mary M. Beckage, Helen Grancey, Irene Guman, and Leona Wirchniansky.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at Our Lady of Snows Church, Clarks Summit, to be celebrated by Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, pastor. Interment will be at SS. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, Peckville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 South State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411, or the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, 1101 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18210.