Betty Nevolas, 99, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, September 13, 2013, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by her family and friends.

Her beloved husband was the late Stephen G. Nevolas, who passed away on October 29, 1980. Together, Stephen and Betty shared 38 beautiful years of marriage.

Born on September 06, 1914, in Swoyersville, Betty was the daughter of the late Frank and Rose (Moore) Gongleski.

Raised in Swoyersville, Betty was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1932.

Shortly after Stephen and Betty were married, Stephen was called to serve in World War II. In an effort to support the war, Betty picked up and moved to Maryland where she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter”. Following the war, Stephen and Betty returned to their hometown of Swoyersville, a place they truly loved.

Prior to her retirement, Betty was employed as a manager and window designer for the former Globe Store, which was located in Luzerne.

Betty was a lifelong member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of her church, Betty became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Parish, Swoyersville.

For many years, Betty was a member of the Wilkes-Barre Women’s Business Club.

A devoted, compassionate and caring person, Betty was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need, especially children. Her generosity and great love for children was evident by the many contributions she made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital throughout her life.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, understanding and her great sense of humor. Though her presence will be greatly missed, her legacy of love will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.  

In addition to her parents, Frank and Rose Gongleski, and her husband, Stephen, Betty was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Gongleski, Edmund “Foof” Gongleski and Frank Gongleski; her sisters, Irene Kiwak, Victoria Beky, Lillian Stone, Estelle Ganger, Frances Ziegler and Wanda Gongleski.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Beth Ann Bantel, of Swoyersville; her granddaughter, Lori C. Bantel, of Swoyersville; her sister, Jeanne Young, of Baltimore, Maryland; her many nieces and nephews; and especially, her “other” daughter, Claire Morrow, of Forty Fort, who spent countless hours providing Betty with love and affection.

The Family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the fantastic staff and friends at Timber Ridge Nursing Center, Wilkes-Barre, for the exceptional care they bestowed upon Betty while she was a resident there.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at 9:30 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by 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.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary of the Maternity Cemetery, West Wyoming.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 16, 2013, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.