Mrs. Lois A. Hanczyc, 81, a life long resident of Duryea, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

Born in Duryea, she was the daughter of the late William and Alice Russavage Coolbaugh. She was a graduate of Duryea High School, Hahnemann Nursing School and Wilkes University. Prior to her retirement, Lois was employed by Golden Care, Pittston.

Lois was an active member of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea and was finishing her third session on Duryea Borough Council. Lois was a pillar of the community and worked with many organizations, including the Duryea Crime Watch, the Duryea Food Bank and Nativity of Our Lord Parish and their Women's Society. Lois was an organizer, a leader and a driving force in many fund raisers and charity dinners. She was a forced to be reckoned with and a principal elected official always doing what she felt was best for her town. She stood her ground regardless of political pressure and was respected by her peers for her slight forward talk. Lois was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Nester deQuevedo, who passed away on February 5, 1981.

Surviving are her husband, Martin Hanczyc
Son, Dr. Nestor deQuevedo and his wife, Mara, of West Pittston
Daughter, Alice Blake and her husband, Robert, of Avoca
Son, Dr. Martin Hanczyc of Trento, Italy
Granddaughter, Isabella deQuevedo
Grandson, Austin Killino

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021, at 12:00 pm in Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea with the Rev. John Polednak officiating. Interment will be private in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Duryea. A walk through viewing will be held on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. Those attending the visitation and/or funeral, we ask that you be brief when paying your respects, please follow the practice of social distancing and masks are required at all times at the funeral home and church. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church for the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Holy Rosary School, 125 Stephenson Street, Duryea, PA 18642. To leave an online condolence for Lois's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

Dear Marty, please accept my deepest condolences. We learned only today of Lois' passing, my apologies for the delay. What a wonderful lady she was, my dad (Clem Russavage) was very fond of her.

Marie Russavage Gilbert (almost 3 years ago)

Dear Marty and Family : On behalf of my entire Family we are very saddened for your loss of such a caring and giving person. We will never forget Lois and we know she has a special place in heaven. I attended the Funeral mass today but I had a coughing spell and had to leave before it was over. You are all in my prayers.

Jennie Musto Saporito (almost 3 years ago)

Deepest Sympathy to Marty and Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Diane Plisga and Rutkoski Family (almost 3 years ago)

Bob and I are sending our deepest sympathy. She will surely be missed by so many! We are thinking of you, Jerry and your family.

Maria Yonki (almost 3 years ago)

Lois was a wonderful and kind person. Our Prayers and thoughts to Marty and the Family. Lois will be Greatly missed by all of us. Joe and Liz Zbylicki and Family.

Elizabeth and Joseph Zbylicki (almost 3 years ago)

My condolences to you and your family Marty. May she Rest In Peace.

Kathleen Cawley (almost 3 years ago)

My heartfelt condolences to Marty and family.A great woman who will be dearly missed.

Mike Wasko (almost 3 years ago)

Please accept our deepest sympathy Marty Rich and Lorrie

Lorrie Slatky (almost 3 years ago)

So sorry to Marty and Lois' s family. She will be missed. She was a great lady.

Janice Gromelski Miller (almost 3 years ago)

We extend our deepest sympathy.

Fred Pierantoni III (almost 3 years ago)

Deepest condolences to all of Lois' family and friends. She will truly be missed by all, especially her loving husband and companion, Marty. Praying for comfort and strength for the family during these difficult days.

Julie and Louie Lucarella (almost 3 years ago)

Everything good Lois did for church and the community, time can never take away. Every loving memory of Lois, time will not take away. Hope the memories bring peace and comfort to Marty and family at this difficult time.

Joyce Skowronski Jones (almost 3 years ago)

So sorry for you’re loss.

Jean Donovan (almost 3 years ago)

My thoughts and prayer go out to the whole family. Uncle Ted and Aunt Josie spoke of Lois when they would stop by saying they were visiting in Duryea. May God comfort you at this time. God Bless.

Juliann (Tripus) Smith (almost 3 years ago)

Marty and family we are so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace

Bill & Mariann Aruscavage (almost 3 years ago)

Sincere condolences to Lois's family and friends. Lois was all the great things spoken of her, but I think what I will remember most is that she made you feel you were the most important person she was talking with at the time. She listened and cared. She gave that same attention to Duryea and we are all better for it. Lois was also a faithful friend to my Mom until she passed three years ago. May they have a great reunion in Heaven! Rest peacefully., Lois. You have earned those wings and halo.

Gail Malloy (almost 3 years ago)

We will miss Lois and always remember how many lives she touched! Praying that Marty and everyone in Lois’ family will be blessed with God’s comfort and peace.

Michael Sowa (almost 3 years ago)

My deepest sympathy to Marty and family. I totally enjoyed doing volunteer work with my friend Lois. My God welcome her home.

Peter Olsheski (almost 3 years ago)

Dear Marty and Family, We are very saddened by the loss of Lois. She will be missed dearly by the Duryea Community and all who knew her. With our deepest sympathy, love and prayers.

Rita and Mike Sowa (almost 3 years ago)

So sorry for your loss,thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mary Ann Sapolis (almost 3 years ago)

so sorry about Lois; she befriended me when I moved her almost 40 years ago and my admiration for her grew and grew. I know you have your angel wings now dear friend God Bless your family.

Lehrae Ann Edwards (almost 3 years ago)

Sending my condolences to the entire family, Lois was one of a kind and an amazing leader in duryea. I had the pleasure of calling her my friend. I will miss our nightly calls. Lois I miss you so much.

Trina Moss (almost 3 years ago)

A wonderful friend and colleague. Heart and Soul of the Community . You will truly be missed...

Jim Gromelski (almost 3 years ago)

Our deepest condolences to you and your family she was a great lady.

Mary lou and Michael Fereck (almost 3 years ago)

We are so sorry for your loss Uncle Marty. I hope you know that our prayers are with you and your family.

Lori Manis (almost 3 years ago)

What a wonderful lady she was. It's so sad, So sorry for your loss

Anita kasteleba (almost 3 years ago)

Rest in peace God Bless you were a wonderful person

Brian Higdon (almost 3 years ago)

Condolences to her family...Sorry for your loss and also the town's loss

Linda(kemler)wruble (almost 3 years ago)

Rest in Peace my friend and condolences to Marty and family.she gave everything but asked for nothing in return and was a great pleasure to serve on council with her she was an amazing women and I will miss her very much

john rowlands (almost 3 years ago)

Lois was a wonderful person. She will be missed

Donny Noble (almost 3 years ago)

A great lady I will miss her dearly

Robert Webb (almost 3 years ago)

You were a wonderful and thoughtful lady. We will miss you.

Jennifer Viadock (almost 3 years ago)

You were such a wonderful, kind, and caring woman. Andrew loved coming to your house and I enjoyed talking to you at the playground waiting for the kids. You will be sadly missed, love the Halkos

Suzanne, John, and Andrew Halko (almost 3 years ago)

Aunt Lois how I wished I knew you better but what I did know was that you were s woman to be admitted and most of all you made my Uncle Marty very happy. Condolences to the family and hope God's healing will be there for all.

Kathleen Klimaszewski (almost 3 years ago)

Few people can have the impact like Lois did on each aspect of her life. Family friends and community. She looked after all of these things with love and care. My condolences to her family. Thank you for sharing her with us! May her legacy be always remembered in all that she accomplished.

Jef Bauman (almost 3 years ago)

A Great Lady!! You will be missed

Anne McDonnell (almost 3 years ago)

Jerry, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of mother. We send prayers and condolences to you and your family , may she Rest In Peace ....

Sue and Paul Felter (almost 3 years ago)

condolences to Marty and family

edna Russavage Drewsen (almost 3 years ago)

Sending my condolences to the entire family, Lois was one of a kind and an amazing leader in duryea. It has been a pleasure to serve with her on council, she will be greatly missed.

Justin Tonte (almost 3 years ago)

Deepest sympathy to Marty and family.

Carole Russavage Shebby and Family (almost 3 years ago)

Dear Aunt Lois , I am going to miss you terribly . I enjoyed our long talks .You were one of a kind , helping everyone around you . You will forever be in my heart . Love Cheryl and Mark Chilson .

Cheryl Chilson (almost 3 years ago)

We love you and admire you Lois. Always and forever. May you rest in peace.

Christine Dellecave and family (almost 3 years ago)

My dear friend RIP will miss our talks

Joan Wilk (almost 3 years ago)

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