Illona V. Burbich, 95, of Duryea passed away Thursday, August 3rd at The Little Flower Manor nursing facility where she was a resident. Born in Duryea December 9th, 1921, Illona was the daughter of the late Harry and Theresa (Walukas) Wojsnarowicz.
Illona was a member of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston. A graduate of Duryea High School, she retired from Swantkowski Drug Store after many years of employment. Illona was very active throughout her life. She was a member of the Pittston YMCA and enjoyed swimming on a daily basis. For several years, she had tracked over a 1000 miles in the water. She was also a member of the Red Hat’s Society and the Avoca Community Choir. Illona enjoyed spending time with her family and especially time with her great-grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as G.G “Grandma The Great”. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, John “Burby” Burich; her brothers, Edward and CY Wojsnarowicz of Cleveland, OH; and her sister, Marcella Olszewski of Dearborn, Michigan.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane Cosgrove of Plains; son, John Burbich and his wife, Rosemary of Perkiomenville, PA; her brother, Victor Wojsnarowicz of CT; her grandchildren, Kristina Burbich, Bradley Burbich and his wife, Heather, Patrick Cosgrove and his wife, Meredith; great-grandchildren Maryn and Patrick Cosgrove; and many nieces and nephews.
Illona’s family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Little Flower Manor for the kindness, care, and compassion they have shown while Illona was a resident
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 7th at 10:30am from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Divine Liturgy at 11:00am at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 205 North Main St., Pittston, PA. Friends may call for visitation on Monday, August 7th from 9:30am until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pittston YMCA, 10 N. Main St., Pittston, PA 18640.