Obituary of Joann Rita Biros

Joann R. Biros, 80, a lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 and has been reunited with her beloved "Frankie". She was born in Wilkes-Barre on August 27, 1933, daughter to the late Stanley and Anna Gryczka Blessner. She was a graduate of Coughlin High School and Wilkes-Barre Business College. She retired from the Social Security Administration. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was a member of St. Benedict's Parish, Wilkes-Barre and a previous member of Sacred Heart Slovak Church, Wilkes-Barre. She was married for 38 years to the "love of her life", the late Frank W. Biros. While he was taken from her many years ago, his memory and spirit was always fresh and present in her daily life. Joann was active in Junior Catholic Daughters and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA), Branch #172, where she and her late husband both served as Treasurer for many years. She also assisted Frank for many years as the Treasurer for Sacred Heart Slovak Church bazaars. Many people would stop by the "Cash Office" from year to year to visit them both, as they spent their yearly vacation working so hard for their church. Joann loved to do embroidery - many of her tablecloths and runners were shared with family members. She was also a collector - Mr. Peanut memorabilia (to represent the years her dear husband worked at Planters/Nabisco), Salt & Pepper shakers, thimbles, bells and especially Elvis Presley memorabilia. She especially loved the days she shared with her dog, LuLu. Her "poochie baby" was her constant loyal friend and confidant. She was by her side until her last breath. "Aunt J" or "Babi" as she was lovingly called, was honored at a small 80th Birthday celebration at Onawandah Campground, Tunkhannock, PA recently. She was able to get out of the house and share a special day (enjoying "two of the best hot dogs she ever had") with some of her extended family - nieces and nephews, Donna Greytock Baird, Debbie Greytock Chase, Bill Jr. and Nikki Greytock, Michele and Joe Thomas and their families. Joann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank who passed away in 1997 and by brother Daniel Blessner. Surviving are sister, Loretta Appleby and her husband Robert, Dallas; brother, Bernard Blessner, Glen Burnie, Maryland. In addition to the above mentioned, other nieces and nephews include, Donna Biros Kuzminski, Bonnie Biros and Jay Biros; Daniel Blessner, Jr., Brian and Eric Blessner; Lynn Appleby Thrash and Robert Appleby, Jr. and many more, as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention by name. Each was a special treasure to Aunt Joann. Other extended family members include: brother-in-law, Bill Greytock Sr.; cousins, Sr. Joseph Marie, OSF, Sr. Jo Louise, OSF; Helene and John Jewell; and her special go-to girl, great niece, Suzanne Chase. Funeral services will be 9:00 am Monday at Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc. , 55 Stark Street, Plains, PA with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Benedict's Church, 155 Austin Ave, Parsons, Wilkes-Barre with Fr. Joseph Adonizio officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Slovak Cemetery, Dallas. Friends may call 4:00 to 7:00pm on Sunday. Online condolences may be sent by visiting Joann's obituary at www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com A special memorial scholarship fund has been established in Joann & Frank's honor and contributions may be sent to: Frank and Joann Biros Memorial Scholarship Fund, FCSLA, Sr. Branch #172, c/o 94 Elmwood Dr., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Donations may also be made to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705. Joann was a special sister, aunt, cousin -- friend to everyone she met. On Wednesday, God reached down and whispered to Joann, "It's time to come home ," and she did. She will be greatly missed and her legacy will live on in all who knew her and loved her.