Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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In conversations with Carol throughout the last few weeks of her life, she shared the following reflections about her past and hopes for the future.
A daughter of World War II Veteran John Chalkan and Margaret ‘Margie’ (Stinsky), she described her childhood in Mahanoy City, PA with brothers John and Michael, as comfortingly ‘normal’ and ‘uneventful’. Her early days were filled with fond memories of her spirited maternal grandmother, Margaret Stinsky, who notoriously rode a motorcycle in a dress. A trusted confidant, Carol said she was ‘persistently happy no matter how bad things were’ and took comfort in knowing ‘you could tell her anything’. Besides her maternal grandmother, Carol shared that other favorite people were ‘John the Baptist because he cleared the way for Christ’, Mother Teresa and perhaps most importantly, ‘Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Carol recalled a first job painting menu signs for a local restaurant during high school. Later, Carol would famously, albeit briefly, work for J. Edgar Hoover at the FBI. A bright young woman whose talents included writing and art, Carol graduated from The Pennsylvania State University and became a teacher, spending most of her career in the Mahanoy Area School District. Despite her long and impactful teaching career in special education, the gifted program and kindergarten, Carol aspired to be a writer or work in advertising. This was her ‘true passion’.
After college, she married George Schott Jr, a computer programmer and polka musician from Trenton, PA. They raised 4 children: Brian, Michael, Mark and Stacey until George’s untimely death in 1985. Resting on her Lutheran faith, Carol persisted through this difficult time, focusing on her children and remarking that they were what she was ‘most proud of’ in life.
Her favorite places were Florence, Italy, ‘that small hotel in Rome with the best breakfast’, the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC, and Rio de Janeiro (although interestingly, she’s never been to Rio). Her favorite experiences were seeing the Nutcracker performed by the Moscow Ballet at Lincoln Center, watching Phantom of the Opera and attending many Harry Connick, Jr concerts. One of her least favorite experiences was watching the movie ‘Lighthouse’ in Hanover, NH with son-in-law Derek and daughter Stacey.
Although she did not have prized possessions, she was an avid collector of ‘funny socks’, amassing more than 200 pairs. A voracious reader, she also treasured books, reading US presidential biographies and Dean Koontz novels in mere days.
She shared how much she loved animals, especially dogs including ‘her ‘favorite pet, Ivan’. She enjoyed all things ‘cow’ and took a special trip to Billings Farm in Woodstock, VT to pet the famous Billings dairy cows. Her daily ritual included feeding the backyard squirrels and chasing away the Blue Jays.
Most content during the summer months, she regretted 'not moving away from the cold Schuylkill County winters’.
Her hopes for the future were that we’d somehow find ‘peace on earth’ and that her children ‘had at least one person who cared about them, including one true friend’.
“The” Carol was known for her notably calm and sometimes quiet demeanor, but her intelligence, quick wit and creative mind were also apparent. Patient, always forgiving, and profoundly thoughtful, her beautiful spirit, along with her ‘home-made greeting cards’ will be sorely missed.
She had many treasured friends and family who enriched her life including Angie, Joe, Joni, Tony, Lisa, Bill, Peg, Derek, Brooke, Connor, Heather, 'Lots of Mikes', another Lisa, John(s), Caroline, Sylvia, Mary-Ann, Tommy, Mary, Amy, Joan, Safe Haven co-workers, college roommates and teaching colleagues.
February 10, 2022, was the hardest day for those who loved her, but let’s find strength in knowing that as each additional day passes, we’ll be one day closer to being with her again.
Help us celebrate Carol’s life by gathering Friday February 18th between 6-9pm at Truskowsky Funeral Home, Mahanoy City, PA
A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 19th, 2022 at Christ Lutheran Church, Mahanoy City, PA with visitation between 10-11am followed by a church service at 11am. Internment at St. Mary’s cemetery to follow.
Masks for all events are very strongly encouraged and will be provided.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, view Tribute Video and send sympathy cards.
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Mary Heckman, 70, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Thursday, February 10th, at her residence.Funeral arrangements will be announced.
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.
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He was born on Wednesday, November 26, 1975, in Ashland.
Charlie was a graduate of Tri-Valley High School.
He was the owner Snyder's Repair, Gratz.
Charlie was a member of the Gratz Borough Council, the Erdman Sportsman's Club, and the Gratz VFW.
He was preceded in death by his mother Debra A (Reichwein) Snyder.
Charlie was blessed to have two father figures Harry A Snyder of Klingerstown and Arthur P "Odie" Snyder of Trevorton.
He is also survived by his fiancé, Christina J Campbell of Gratz; a step daughter, Bethany A Campbell of Elizabethville; a step son, Aubrey J Campbell of Elizabethville; two brothers, Michael J Snyder and his wife Cara of Valley View and Eric P Snyder and his wife Nicole of Trevorton; a sister, Candi M Snyder of Trevorton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 11:00 am.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Gratz.
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