Obituary of Margaret Marie Flaherty

Margaret M Flaherty, 79, of Wilkes-Barre, a servant of her Lord and Savior, left her family who was at her bedside and entered her eternal life on Friday, December 8, 2023, while in the care of the Commonwealth General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Born on March 20, 1944, in the Bronx, New York, she was one of six children of the late Harold J. and Alice Gorskey Damernheim. At the age of 14, her family relocated to the Wyoming Valley where Margaret attended Sacred Heart Slovak High School. At the age of 16, while she was attending dances at the YMCA and CYC, met and fell in love with Francis Flaherty. On April 19, 1965, they were married. Frank was serving in the United States Marine Corp at the time, and Margaret went with her husband when he was stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After Frank was honorably discharged, the couple moved back to the Northend of Wilkes-Barre where they resided for the past fifty years. Together they raised their two sons Frank Jr. and Tom. Margaret took on the role of homemaker for several years until her sons were of school age. She then started to work in the local dress factories as a seamstress. After the closing of the factories, Margaret found work in RiverStreet Manor Nursing Facility working in housekeeping, but she truly cared for the patients. In her spare time and using her own money and supplies, Margaret sewed bibs for patients and made carrying bags for their wheelchairs and walkers. As time passed, Margaret began working for the Commonwealth Hospital in the hospitality shop until her retirement in 2004. In her spare time, Margaret enjoyed working on crafting projects using her sewing skills to make holidays and special gifts for her family and friends. Later in life, she enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and perfecting her skills in baking cookies and treats for her grandchildren. Margaret and her family were past members of the Sacred Heart Slovak Church and St Andre Bessette's Parishes until their closures. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was our Peggy and will be lovingly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Peg joins her parents in heaven and her brother-in-law Charles "Chicky" Reimiller. Surviving is her loving husband Frank Sr., Wilkes-Barre; sons Frank Jr., Wilkes-Barre; Tom Sr. and his wife Erica, Kingston; grandchildren: Alicia Henness; Daniel Hontz: Ryan Flaherty: Tom Flaherty: Eric Flaherty: Shane Flaherty: and Connor Flaherty; a great grandson Jude Flaherty; sisters Cathy Bologa and her husband Joseph, Bear Creek; Jackie Bianco and her husband Ron, Hazelton; Veronica Reimiller, Pottsville; and Paulette Dante, Wilkes-Barre; brother Harold Damernheim along with several nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. a vigil service will begin led by Deacon Donald Crane. Funeral Service for Margaret will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. Service again will be led by Deacon Donald Crane. Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Slovak/St. Andre Bessette Cemetery, Dallas. For online condolences to the family or for directions to services, please visit www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.