Mrs. Mercedes McHale,101, of Duryea, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Allied Terrace, Scranton.

Born on October 24, 1924, she was the daughter of the late William and Johanna Juskiewicz Coolbaugh. Mercedes was the youngest of 11 children. A lifelong resident of Duryea, she was a devoted supporter of her community and her church.

A devout Catholic, Mercedes was a proud parishioner of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea. Always one to volunteer, she was often found flipping potato pancakes at the annual church picnic or baking a cake to donate to a church fundraiser-especially her signature red velvet cake, a favorite among family and friends.

There was little Mercedes valued more than her family, especially during the holiday season, her favorite time of year. She loved celebrating every holiday, filling her home with beautiful decorations and welcoming loved ones around a table filled with the meals so lovingly prepared. Mercedes's warmth, generosity and gift for making every gathering feel special created cherished memories for all who knew and loved her.

Mercedes was employed by General Dynamics, Eynon as an executive secretary for over 30 years until her retirement in 1994.

She married Henry McHale in 1947. Mercedes and Henry shared 53 heartfelt years of marriage before his passing on November 3, 2000.

Mercedes was preceded in death by her husband Henry, brothers, Joseph, William, Edward, Veto and John and sisters, Mildred, Eleanor, Joanna, Beatrice and Aldona.

Mercedes is survived by.
Son, Mark McHale and her daughter in law, Karen
Granddaughter, Katherine McHale
Grandson, William McHale
Special niece, Beverly Scalise and her husband, James
Special niece, Sandy Shemonski and her husband, Robert
Many other nieces, nephews and relatives

A special thank you to the Allied Terrace staff and residents who welcomed her and provided friendship and care during her stay and to Allied Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassion and kindness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 9:30 am at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea with the Rev. Michael Bryant officiating. All who knew Mercedes are welcome to attend. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Duryea. In lieu of flowers, the McHale family welcomes donations to Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care in Mercedes' memory, www.allied-services.org/giving/make-a-donation. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Mercedes'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

What an amazing woman. We always looked forward to seeing Mrs. McHale on her visits to the library with the crew from Allied. When reading off the titles to her to help her to pick out her next audio book, she always remembered the vast numbers of titles she had already listened to off the top of her head so that together, we could pick out new stories for her to enjoy. May she rest in peace. We will certainly miss her here at the library.

Abington Community Library Staff (1 day ago)

To the Family And Friends of Mercedes. I was blessed to be the Medical Assistant who took care of her at Dr Rubins office. She was a joy and a spitfire. I will miss her! God bless and Sorry for your loss.

Michelle Y (17 days ago)

We always enjoyed our visits to PA when we got to visit with Aunt Merc. and later when we could exchange holiday greetings. She was always one of the first to send out her Christmas cards....getting in to the spirit of holiday. Love and prayers to you Mark, Karen and family. Aunt Mercedes was a great example of a Life Well Lived.

George & Claire McHale (18 days ago)

We are very saddened on the passing of our dear Mercedes. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, relatives, and friends. (I) have known Mercedes for many years. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. Mercedes was a very faithful, devoted, and hard-working woman. We have many fond memories of Mercedes and her devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus and Nativity of Our Lord Parishes. Eternal rest grant unto her and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Mike and Rita (Vanko) Sowa (20 days ago)

Mark so sorry for your loss she was a wonderful,kind lady on our block may she rest in peace

Linda (kemler)wruble (21 days ago)

Mark and family and all those that called Merc Aunt .. cousin…co worker and friend our deepest sympathies on your lose I have known Mercand Hank almost 60 years First as fellow church members… then as our common interest of parish volunteer …into co workers of our parish for many years She always presented herself beautifully in dress .. manners.. and with a smile .i have missed that these last few years of her life I am sure God has brought her home with that same kind of smile after serving Him so well here on earth… Rest in the peace of the Lord and the company of the saints!!!

Judy and Tom Lambert (21 days ago)

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