Mary Bonchonsky Jaken, of Pittston, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, August 1, 2017, at her home, the very home where she was born 97 years ago. She was married for 55 years to John Jaken, who preceded her in death in 1996.

Born in Pittston, she was a daughter of the late John and Julia Coliskey Bonchonsky. She was a graduate of Pittston High School. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Pittston Apparel and other various dress factories in the area. She was a member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union.

Mary was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston. She was one of the original members who started the St. Jude's Novena 60 years ago. She continued her devotion with her participation in the operation of the novena every year. She was also very active with many of the fund raising activities at the church.

Mary, known as "Aunt Mary" to many, will be remembered for her impeccable fashion sense, her warm smile and her genuine love of her family and faith. She will be missed by all who were blessed to have known and loved her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Charles Manganiello, the staff at Home Bound Healthcare, Dallas; especially Rose Zielinski and special caretaker, Holly France. Their faithful dedication, compassion and friendship will never be forgotten.

Surviving is her nephew, John Bonchonsky, Kingston; nieces, Helen Bonchonsky Evans, Newington, CT; Mary Kay Bonchonsky Wayne, White Plains, NY; Beti Egli Francis and Cathy Egli Guerry, both of Wellington, Fla.; godson, Dr. Joseph Cadden, Los Angeles, CA; great and great great nieces and nephews and lifelong friend and neighbor, Rita Morgan, Pittston.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph, infant twins, Peter and Paul; sisters, Helen Bachkosky, Margaret Waiksnis and A. Catherine Egli; nephews, Joseph Bonchonsky and John Bachkosky.

The funeral will be held on Monday, August 7, 2017, at 8:45 A.M. from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street Pittston (Port Griffith), with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish 535 North Main Street, Pittston. Interment will be in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Pittston.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish 535 North Main Street Pittston, PA 18640.