Monica Kashuba

Monica K. (Kervalavich) Kashuba died peacefully on Friday at Abington Manor in S. Abington Twp. She was 101 years old.

Born October 29, 1919 in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Theophilia (Skarnulis) Kervalavich and the widow of Felix Kashuba, also of Scranton. The couple had been married for a very happy 29 years. "Mona", as she was known to family and friends, was a lifelong resident of North Scranton, educated in the Scranton Schools, and a faithful member of the St. Joseph's Lithuanian Church, now Mary Mother of God Parish. She was an active member of the community, volunteering at St. Joseph's Women's Society and bowling with consistently high scores well into her eighties as a part of the National Association of Women's Bowlers.

Mona was actively engaged in Scranton's historic garment industry workforce, excelling to the role of supervisor for an area sewing manufacturer and becoming part of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She put her professional sewing talents to use throughout the community, making drapes, wedding dresses, sleeping bags for the homeless, and home goods.

Mona was a kind and devoted caregiver to her many nieces and nephews, patiently teaching them how to tie shoes, braid palms, speak Lithuanian, and play pokeno, cards, and puzzles. Her love of roller coasters, penchant for international cruises, and passing down of traditional Lithuanian food and sweets glued the family together and made for many happy times. Her gentleness will be sadly missed.

Surviving is one sister: Lillian Vorozilchak, S. Abington Twp., and three generations of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister, Nellie Butash, and brother, Peter Kervalavich. A private blessing service by Msgr. Peter P. Madus will be held at the convenience of the family with interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Throop.