Mary Weeks

Mary K. Weeks, 99, of Dallas, PA, passed away surrounded by her loving family, May 23 at Mercy Center Personal Care unit where she resided for the last two years. The daughter of the late Francis (Frank) Blum and Rose (Lavelle) Blum, she was born in Mahanoy City, PA, March 3, 1917, and resided there until her retirement to Kingston, PA, in 1980.

Mary was a graduate of St. Fidelis Elementary School and Mahanoy City High School ('35). Prior to retirement she was a sales clerk and buyer at Guinans Department Store, Mahanoy City.

A devout catholic, she was an active volunteer and member of the Gate of Heaven Church, its Altar & Rosary Society and the resurrection choir. She served as a Eucharistic Minister of Communion at Mercy Center for two decades, and was a life member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court Kateri #1085 in Mahanoy City. She was a living testimony of faith and prayed daily for her family and friends.

Mary was affectionately called "Mom Mom" and greeted all she met with her unforgettable, dazzling smile. A medical pioneer, in 1953, she survived one of the earliest successful ileostomy surgeries. Her procedure was documented in several medical journals and required her to wear an ostomy pouch the past 64 years. Despite the struggles life handed her, Mary always had a sparkle in her eyes and her face radiated with kindness and love. Those who knew and loved her were blessed to have an earthly angel in their midst. She will be sorely missed by all of the many lives she touched.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Kenneth J. Weeks, who passed away October 7, 1987; her infant son John; and brothers John, James and Jack.

Mary is survived by her sister, Margaret "Peg" Canfield, and her husband Joseph of Dallas, with whom Mary made her home after her husband's death. She is also survived by a; nephew Joseph Canfield, Jr. (Tina),; niece Laura Canfield; grand niece/nephew Amy and Joseph Canfield III; a niece Anita Pearce (Norm), whom Mary raised like a daughter, and Anita's children and grandchild; William Cuff (Corrine), Erin Maslowski, and Jenna Maslowski. Mary will be missed by her biological family and her extended family of cherished friends, especially childhood best friend Sister Catherine Georgine Porter, OSF, cousin Kate Clemente and goddaughter, Rosemary Brinkos.

The family extends its appreciation to Dr. Gary Nothstein, DO, and the wonderful staff at Mercy Center who treasured Mary and whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flower tributes, memorial donations may be made to either Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas, PA 18612, or Mercy Center, 301 Lake St. Dallas, PA 18612. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Mercy Center, Dallas, PA from 9:30-10:30 followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30. Interment will be private at Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Mahoney City.

Funeral arrangements are by the Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Memorial Highway, Dallas.