Mrs. Mary Kopcho, 93, of Duryea, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, with her family by her side.

She was born on December 28, 1930 on 8th Street in West Wyoming to the late George and Anna Radesky Szymczak. She was known as Manya (Mary in Polish). Her dad died when she was five. Her mom and her three girls spent their lives in that tight knit community. She spoke fondly of those times to this day.

She met her husband, Paul, dancing in Swoyersville. They continued dancing on WVIA Pennsylvania Polka and at the Dupont VFW. They loved a church picnic with a good polka band, good pierogi and a potato pancake.

She retired in the 90's after working in local cigar factories and Topps Chewing Gum Co., Duryea. She spent many years along side Paul taking care of SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Duryea and was so proud of its beauty.

Mary loved to make homemade noodles. Her halushki was always loved at the yearly Kopcho family reunions.

Her most important job was making pierogi for Christmas Eve and teaching Nikki how to do it. She taught her granddaughter the "tricks" as soon as she could sit at the kitchen table by herself. They continued that tradition every year.

She was an amazing wife, mom, grammy, aunt and friend. We will miss her always.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, who passed away on April 6, 2019, son in law, Chris Vivalda, who passed away on January 2, 2022, daughter, Janet Kopcho, who passed away on January 4, 2023, and sisters, Victoria Zack and Eleanor Gulla.

Surviving are:
Daughter and best friend, Diane Vivalda of Duryea
Granddaughter and best pierogi partner, Nicole Vivalda of Duryea
Betsy Pollits, who cared for and loved her like her own gram of Duryea
Wally, her grand dog

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 9:30 am from the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea with Mass of the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 205 North Main Street, Pittston with the Rev. Andrii Dumnych officiating. Interment will be in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Duryea. A viewing will be held on Thursday morning from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 59 South Main Street, Pittston, PA 18642. To leave an online condolence for Mary'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

Diane and Nicki .. I had no idea that your mom/grandmom had passed away in June I don’t get down the shop much to hear the Salon news …or do I get the paper… she definitely was one of my favorites …we always had something to talk about … especially when she was caring for her husband and me my dad…..she absolutely amazed me in her ability to chat and weeks later remember what we chatted about! You both have great memories of her love.. kindness… caring nature! And all the things that you Nickie learned to keep customs alive ….in them you will find Gods comfort! Rest in peace my dear hairdressing client!!!!

Judy Lambert (3 months ago)

Dear Kopcho Family , Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother Mary . My dad and your dad were first cousins . I remember seeing your parents quite often at the VFW in Dupont dancing to the polkas , they always had a great time . Most Sincerely , Bernie Stiroh

Bernie Stiroh (3 months ago)

It was always nice to see Aunt Mary at the family reunions. She was always smiling and happy. I’m glad that Julia met her. May she rest in peace.

Jennifer, Paul and Julia. (4 months ago)

Dear Aunt Mary, You touched so many of us in our wonderful Kupcho family with your welcoming smile, joyful laughter, and incredible cooking! You are now and will always be missed. Rest in peace. With love from your niece, Nancy

Nancy Arcarola (4 months ago)

Wonderful mother, grandmother & aunt. Rest in peace Manya.

Carol Zavrotny & Family (4 months ago)

Dear Aunt Mary, No words can express how deeply you will be missed. Your smile, warmth, and laughter could light up any room. Despite being gone, you will always be fondly remembered. Rest in peace.

Janet Paccione (4 months ago)

Diane and Nikki, I’m sorry for the loss of your Mom and Grandma. I enjoyed our many phone chats over the years. My family and I will miss her. Rest in Peace Aunt Mary.

Mary Ann Sapolis (4 months ago)

Heaven has gained an angel! Will miss her hugs and smiles! Diane and Nikki thinking of you.

Marian Serafin (4 months ago)

Aunt Mary was always joyful, ready to laugh and dance! I feel so blessed to have known her.

Suzanne Ross (4 months ago)

Aunt Mary,.. as you were known to me. What a delight having you in our neighborhood and community. I always got a smile on my face seeing you out weed whacking, watering your flowers or just shooting the breeze with one of your many admirers. You were the highlight of my walking route and I loved hearing the stories you would share with such wisdom. I also loved your spunk and was inspired by your beautiful outlook on life. Thank You for being such a ray of Sunshine! See you on the sunny side dear one,.. Rest Easy.

Darlene DeBiasi (4 months ago)

My sisters and I have such fond memories of our summer visits to Duryea Playing with our cousins at Aunt Mary's and Uncle Paul's, and those church picnics perogies. Rest in Peace.

Jack De Carlo (4 months ago)

When I first met Miss Mary, I was her caregiver over the last few years. We became really good friends or should I say more like a mom to me we were talk for hours about a lot of things in life that had given me a new perspective of life she will be missed and love always, she was like an angel for me and I appreciated every moment I got to spend with her

Dawn Curinga (4 months ago)

Dear Aunt Mary, You are already greatly missed. Your kindness and welcome smile always uplifted my spirits. I was present at your wedding service and loved you from the start. May you rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord. Your niece, Andrea

Andrea Arcarola (4 months ago)

Dear Aunt Mary, I'm going to miss you terribly, we had wonderful talks and always laughed, what a trooper you were but I know that you are in Heaven with all of your Loved ones.

Joanie Arcarola (4 months ago)

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