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Mary M. Yuknavich

May 4, 2022

Mary M. Giampa (Jump) Yuknavich, 92, of Wilkes-Barre Township, entered into eternal life on May 4, 2022 at home. Mary is now at peace and back in the arms of her beloved husband, Frank. Mary was a loving wife, mom, “Gram” and Nona to her family. Mary was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1948. She led a life others could admire, blessed with a loving family and wide circle of friends, colleagues and neighbors.

Mary married her high school sweetheart, Frank, at St. Joseph’s Monastery and settled into the family homestead and ran the family business, the Yuknavich Economy Store, for many years side by side with Frank. Mary and Frank were married 63 years until his death in 2018.

Mary lived an active life, engaged in activities, politics and her profession well into her late 80s. Following the store’s closing, Mary worked for RCA in Mountaintop & Little Flower Manor before embarking on a journey with the John Heinz Institute at its inception until she retired at the age of 86. Mary was a long-term, well-known, beloved employee to co-workers and patients alike working in various departments before retiring from Director of Volunteers, a position she adored offering her an outlet for leadership, creativity, and friendships over the years.

Mary was involved in politics, a former President of the Wilkes-Barre Republican Organization and serving on Wilkes-Barre Township Council for numerous terms, where she would become Council President. She was also a Charter Member of the Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Association and Civic League. Mary loved her hometown and worked diligently for the good of its residents.

Mary was a member of St. Joseph’s Monastery and Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre. Mary was actively involved in the annual picnic, the Altar and Rosary Society and Youth League.

Mary was a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians and the Wilkes-Barre Township American Legion Woman’s Auxiliary.

Mary was pure class and grace, always dressing to the nines for any occasion, meticulous to the details of each and every accessory. Mary’s home welcomed all, a place that was filled with a warm energy, her delicious homecooked meals and much love and laughter. Mary would always set aside a plate for anyone in need. Mary was proud of her Irish – Italian heritage and her home would often be adorned in items she found. She would travel to trade and craft shows, connecting with people from all around the world, purchasing items for her beloved gift shop. You wouldn’t find Mary without a piece of jewelry featuring a claddagh or elephant.

Mary was the daughter of John (Jack) and Mae (Bamrick) Giampa. Mary is survived by her daughter Mary Joy and her husband William (Butch) Allen, her sons Francis Jerome (Jerry) and John Paul (JP) and his partner Dorothy (Maloney) all of Wilkes-Barre Township. Mary’s grandchildren were a constant source of light in her life, as she loved each of them so dearly: grandsons Jason and Billy Allen, John Paul Yuknavich Jr., Glenn Yuknavich; granddaughters Amy (Joseph) Spadafore, Stacey (Shawn Ebert) Yuknavich & Lacey Yuknavich; great-grandchildren Dalano Yuknavich, Joey & Luciana Spadafore.

Our family would like to thank the Allied Services hospice nurses and aides, especially Dawn and Carla, who looked after our mom the past several months and a very loving heartfelt thank you to the unconditional love and care that Lacey provided, moving into her grandmother’s home and being by her side at every moment.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Sunday in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Parking is available in the Church parking lots on S. Hancock Street.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 am in Our Lady of Hope Parish. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mary’s name to the John Heinz Institute, 150 Mundy Street, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702 or to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Mary’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.