Barbara A. Podskoch, 88, a former resident of Kossack Street, Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Thursday evening, February 14, 2019, at Timber Ridge Health Care Center, Wilkes-Barre, where she had been a guest for the past four and a half years.

Her beloved husband of 62 years was the late Joseph “Parker” Podskoch, who passed away on July 15, 2015.

Born on November 16, 1930, in New York City, New York, Barbara was the daughter of the late Sophie Hudak.

Raised in the North End section of Wilkes-Barre, Barbara was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Class of 1948.

A devoted homemaker most of her life, Barbara also worked part-time in the bakery of the former Shop Rite Supermarket, Kingston. In her earlier years, she was employed by the former Pomeroy’s Department Store, Wyoming, and the former Discount Groceries, Exeter.

Barbara was a faithful Catholic and a longtime member of the former Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville, where she held membership with the church’s Confraternity of Christian Mothers and Altar and Rosary Society, and was an active volunteer at countless church functions, especially the annual rummage sale. Following the consolidation of her church, she became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

For many years, Barbara was a member of the card club, “The Informal’s”, with her lifelong girlfriends, and she always looked forward to their Thursday night get-togethers to play Michigan Rummy.

Some of Barbara’s other enjoyments were playing Bingo, searching for a good deal at yard sales, Polka dancing, and in her younger years, bowling. She was known for her love of hats and her hat wearing became her signature look over the years.

A kind hearted and genuinely happy person, Barbara always saw the good in others. She was the epitome of a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. Although her presence will be deeply missed, her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in both heaven and the hearts of her loved ones.

In addition to her mother, Sophie Hudak, and her husband, Joseph, Barbara was preceded in death by her son-in-law, William “Bill” Schaeffer, who passed away on February 17, 2018.

Barbara is survived by her devoted children, Theresa Podskoch Schaeffer, Swoyersville; Bill Podskoch, Swoyersville; Barbara Jo Podskoch Asklar and her husband, Robert, Swoyersville; Michael Podskoch and his wife, Lynette, Dallas; Joseph Podskoch Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, Swoyersville; and Susan Podskoch and her fiancé, Joseph Wilcom, Kingston; her grandchildren, Bob Asklar Jr. and his wife, Megan; Michael Podskoch Jr., Jessica Podskoch, Rebecca Podskoch and Alyssa Podskoch; and generations of nieces and nephews.

Barbara’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Senior Care of Plains; the staff at Timber Ridge Health Care Center, especially Dr. Michalene Torbik, and the staff in Aspen Lane and Sycamore Lane;  the residents of Timber Ridge who became Barbara’s good friends and family during her time there; and the Compassionate Care Hospice Team for their gentle counsel. 

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 9:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, her Pastor, officiating.

The Confraternity of Christian Mothers of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will recite the Rosary on Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM in the church.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Family and Friends are invited to Barbara’s viewing on Monday, February 18, 2019, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and again on Tuesday morning, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Podskoch Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Office, 57 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18701.