Carolyn M. “Sissy” Swainbank, 55, a resident of Plains Township, passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning, January 12, 2014, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

Born on September 25, 1958, in Wilkes-Barre, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Harry and Dorothy (Roper) Swainbank.

Raised in Kingston, Carolyn was a graduate of West Side Vocational-Technical School, Class of 1976. Later, she went on to further her education at McCann School of Business, Wyoming, where she acquired her Associate Degree in Accounting.

Prior to her retirement, Carolyn was employed as a licensed Nationwide Insurance Agent for the Chris Stasko Insurance Agency, Hazleton and the Joseph Fumanti Insurance Agency, Exeter.

Carolyn was a member of Christ United Presbyterian Church, Lee Park section of Hanover Township.

Carolyn possessed a kind and gentle soul and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. She loved unconditionally and lived by her favorite motto, “live for today because you may not have tomorrow.”

A woman of many enjoyments, Carolyn especially enjoyed watching various cooking shows and game shows.

Family was the most important part of Carolyn’s life and she cherished every moment she had with her loved ones. She always held a special place in her heart for her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her beautiful and positive spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Harry and Dorothy Swainbank, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Lewis Swainbank; her sisters, Susan Swainbank and Nancy Kostelnick; her niece, Carolyn “C.J.” Kostelnick.

Carolyn is survived by her loving companion of many years, Jerome Crossin, of Plains Township; her brothers, John Swainbank and his wife Deborah, of Luzerne; Donald Swainbank and his wife, Donna, of Harding; David Swainbank and his wife Cindy, of Kingston; her sister, Cherri Swainbank, of Plains Township; her numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 10:00 AM at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, with the Reverend Dr. William D. Lewis, officiating.

Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Thursday morning, from 9:00 AM until the time of the funeral service, at the funeral home.

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

Memorial Contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 or to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.