Phyllis G. Galuska, 89, of Avoca passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, at her home with her loving daughter and devoted caretaker Mary Galuska at her side. She was born in Avoca December 20, 1933 and was the daughter of the late Tomas and Theresa (Roslewicz) Chernesky.
Phyllis was a lifelong member of SS Peter and Paul Church until its closing and was currently a member of Queen Of The Apostles Parish Church, Avoca. She was a 1952 graduate of Avoca High School. She was employed for several years at Putnam Penguin Publishing Company, Pittston Twp.
Phyllis was the youngest of her eight siblings and had a very close bond with all of her brothers and sisters that preceded her in death. She had a very sharp memory, especially for extended family and friends’ birth dates. She was never without a birthday card or a kind gesture. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her siblings; Helen Kaplavka, Mary Kurzawa, John Chernesky, Agnes Warunek, Kathryn Zapko, Chester Chernesky, Dorothy Baloh, and Francis Groncki.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Mary Galuska, Avoca, and Theresa Ryzner and Husband Bob, of Avoca, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law Helen Chernesky and Janet Galuska and numerous nieces and nephews.
Phyllis’s daughter Mary would like to acknowledge the kindness and compassion of her nephews Thomas Kaplavka and Paul Groncki, and nieces Rita Chernesky and Alberta Warunek, her close friends Carol Rice and Mary Ellen Campbell, and her furry companions, her dog Otis and cats, Archie and Vinnie.
Her daughter, Mary, would like to credit the doctors, nurses, and staff of Geisinger for extending the longevity of her life. Also, a thank you to Hospice of The Sacred Heart for their excellent care and compassion.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00am at Queen of The Apostles Parish Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, with Fr. Phillip Sladicka officiating. Friends may call for viewing at the church from 9:30am until time of Mass. Interment will be held at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Avoca.
Arrangements are made by Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea.