Maria (Gunshore) Lukashewski, 61, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania died Monday, October 14th, 2024 at Allied Services Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre after her battle with ovarian cancer.

She and her family hope her experience will help lead to earlier detection and success in treatment for other women.

Maria attended Sacred Heart grade school in Luzerne, Bishop O'Reilly High School in Kingston and Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, graduating from each as Valedictorian. After her education, Maria returned to teach Chemistry at Bishop O'Reilly High School for nine years. She spent these years touching the lives of many students who are grateful for her dedication. She eventually left teaching to join her husband Dave in the family business, DPL Mail Processing Center. It was from here that Maria and Dave retired and had hoped to spend time travelling.

Maria was no stranger to well-made plans going astray. She firmly believed in the philosophy of life to bloom where you are planted. Do the very best you can with what you have, where you are and make a difference. Maria also believed in the importance of kindness and showing respect to everyone, it was how she was raised. There were no distinctions among people. Maria loved music and loved to sing. The simple joys of praising her God in song brought unimaginable joy. The Catholic Sisters who educated Maria through her life always said when you sing you pray twice. She brought her love of singing to St. Faustina's Kowalska Parish in Nanticoke where she served as cantor. Beyond singing, when she wasn't spending time in her garden, Maria was an active member of St. Faustina's where her deep-fried Oreos and funnel cakes were enjoyed by thousands who attended the yearly Homecoming Festivals.

Maria may be gone but she is not lost. She lives in your thoughts and memories of her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Emily and William Gunshore of Luzerne, PA, her in-laws Clarence and Felicia Lukashewski of Nanticoke PA, and her sister-in-law Marie Zamberletti of Danville, IL.

She is survived by her husband, David Lukashewski of Nanticoke, PA, her sister Carolyn (Joe) Rambo of Luzerne, John Gunshore of Luzerne, Paul (Angela) Gunshore of Fort Worth, TX, sister-in-law Felicia (Brian) Bubonic of Vero Beach, FL, and her three cherished nieces, Marianna Palacios, Regina and Annaliese Gunshore of Fort Worth, TX.

Family and Friends may visit 3 to 7p.m. Sunday, and 9:00 to 10:30 am on Monday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will begin 10:30 Monday from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 East Broad Street, Nanticoke with a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 11a.m., at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish 520 S. Hanover Street, Nanticoke.

Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.