Mary Danchak Lutash

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Mary Lutash of Coaldale at age 98 on May 15. She was dedicated to the love of family, friends and faith, and lived a rich, productive and independent life.

Mary will be remembered fondly for her strength of character and generous heart.

She was the eldest daughter of Michael and Anna (Czabala) Fedora, founders of St. Mary's Orthodox Church of Coaldale. A loyal and hard-working parishioner, Mary volunteered thousands of hours sewing, baking, beautifying the church and contributing to its vitality in the community.

Although born in Passaic, NJ, on July 24, 1918, Mary considered herself a Coaldale native. She was a graduate of Coaldale High School Class of 1936, and was employed by the former Kiddie Kloes Factory for 42 years.

During World War II, she worked for the United States Army, setting and sewing zippers for military uniforms. Each assignment was completed with great pride and enthusiasm.

Mary leaves her loving sons, Michael (Rebecca) of Higganum, CT, and Raymond (Mary Jo) of Syracuse, NY; devoted sisters, Olga Hebda of Coaldale, and Anna (William) Rianhard of Washington, NC; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors who will celebrate a life well-lived.

She was predeceased by husbands, Michael Danchak Sr. and Frank Lutash; and sister Helen Butts.

Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church, First and Phillips streets, Coaldale. Interment, parish cemetery. Call 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Mary's Orthodox Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences at www.

zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Tamaqua.

Published in Times News on May 16, 2017