Joanna (Zavish) Gatens

Obituary

Joanna Gatens, 70, of Ruddle Street, Coaldale, died Saturday in Allentown. She was the widow of William Gatens, who died in 1981.

Prior to its closing, she had been employed at the former Atlas Powder Company, Reynolds.

Born in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Josephine (Swider) Zavish.

A 1959 graduate of the former Coaldale High School, she was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Coaldale, prior to its closing.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Gatens-Pursell and her husband, Mark, of Bethlehem; and a long time companion, William Vavro of Coaldale.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Bernard Zavish.

Service: Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., St. Jerome's Catholic Church, Tamaqua. Interment, Sky View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m. or Wednesday, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., Gulla Funeral Home, 130 E. Ridge St., Coaldale. Online guestbook at www.zrgfuneralhomes.com.

.Published in Times News on November 19, 2012