Rita T. (Stefanisko) Prekopa

Rita T. Prekopa, 86, of McAdoo passed away Friday morning at St. Luke Pavilion, Hazleton.

             Born the daughter of the late John “Jack” and Anna (Kofchock) Stefanisko, Rita lived her entire life in McAdoo.

            Rita was a graduate of McAdoo High School, class of 1949.  Her subsequent life was centered on her love of children – her own and the many whose lives she touched.  For many years she worked for HASD as a Teacher’s Aid, Librarian and Secretary at McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary School.  After retiring, she volunteered as the school librarian at McAdoo Catholic School.  She had a place in her heart for shy kids and those who didn’t quite fit in.  She particularly loved reading stories to the younger children.

            Rita was a member of All Saints Parish and the former St. Mary of the Assumption Church, McAdoo.  For many years, she helped prepare children to receive the sacraments, taught CCD, organized processions and trained altar servers for her parish.

            She was wonderful Wife, Mom, Grans, Aunt and friend who will be greatly missed.

            Preceding her in death was her husband Joe; and brother Richard and sister Elizabeth who died as infants.

            Surviving, are her sons Joe Prekopa and wife Deb of Winchester, KY; Michael Prekopa and wife Stella of Palmyra; and David Prekopa of McAdoo; granddaughters Stephanie Prekopa of Palmyra; Angelica Turner and husband Michael of Lexington, KY; Sarah Collins and husband Jon of Louisville, KY; and Bethany Prekopa of Lexington, KY; brother Donald Stefanisko and wife Jean of McAdoo; sister Marian Tyma and husband Jerry of Orlando, FL; cherished niece Frances Walukiewicz of Tresckow; and great friend Joan Bucknovic of McAdoo.

            Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Damiano Funeral Home Inc., Blaine and Cleveland Sts., McAdoo. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Church of All Saints, McAdoo.  The Rev. Msgr. William Baker will be the celebrant.

            Interment will follow in St. Mary of the Assumption Cemetery, McAdoo.

            Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

            Memorial donations can be made to Church of Saints, 17 N. Cleveland St., McAdoo, PA 18237.     Condolences may be entered, and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.

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