Jean H. Simkulak, 96, formerly of Arlington Road, Forty Fort, passed into eternal life on Sunday afternoon, February 16, 2025.

Her beloved husband of 59 years was the late Emery J. Simkulak, who passed away on March 11, 2008.

Born on February 03, 1929, in Scranton, Jean was the daughter of the late Frank Budwitis and Anna Novak Sadauckas Budwitis.

Raised in Scranton, Jean was a graduate of West Scranton Senior High School, Class of 1946. Later, she took art classes at Luzerne County Community College.

Beginning her career as an interior decorator, Jean first worked in that capacity for the former Matthews’ Paint Store, Scranton. Eventually becoming self-employed, she spent many years decorating for several families and businesses in the local area prior to her retirement.

A woman of strong faith, Jean was a longtime member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville, where she held membership with its Holy Name Society. She was also a member and past president of the Ladies of the Assumpta, the auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Assumpta Council 3987, Kingston, and, during the years her sons attended the former Bishop O’Reilly High School, Kingston, she was a member of the Blue and Gold Mothers’ Club.

Throughout her life, Jean had a great love for animals; enjoyed countless rounds of golf; and at home, she loved painting, tending to her flower garden, and sewing. Above all, her happiest moments were spent with her family, most especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who each brought her immense joy.

In addition to her parents, Frank and Anna Budwitis, and her husband, Emery, Jean was preceded in death by her brothers, George Sadauckas and Joseph Sadauckas.

Left to cherish her memory are her four sons, Emery J. Simkulak, Daytona Beach, FL; Richard J. Simkulak and his wife, Joanne, Berlin, CT; Paul Simkulak and his wife, Luann, West Wyoming; and Joseph Simkulak and his wife, Lisa, Wyoming; her eleven grandchildren, Attorney Wendy Simkulak, Philadelphia; Lauren Simkulak, CA; Kristen Nagel and her husband, Matthew, Middletown, CT; Jeffrey Simkulak and his wife, Marta, Southington, CT; Brian Simkulak and his wife, Marianne, Orlando, FL; Dr. Christopher Simkulak and his wife, Michele, Northampton; Paul Simkulak and Kyle Simkulak, both of West Wyoming; Laura Simkulak and Mario Rusch, Nelson, British Columbia; Kelly Simkulak and Steve Parker, Norristown; and Meagan Mootz and her husband, Jason, Mountaintop; as well as her thirteen great-grandchildren.

Jean’s family wishes to extend their most sincere gratitude to Jean’s dear friend and caregiver, Bobbie Boney, Swoyersville, who was a true angel to not only Jean, but also to her family. Bobbie’s love and selfless care gave Jean the best quality of life during her final years.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jean’s funeral services which will begin with viewing on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM. The Reverend Father Joseph J. Pisaneschi, will be the celebrant.

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

The Simkulak family entrusted Jean’s funeral arrangements to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

To share a memory of Jean or message of condolence with her family, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

The family kindly requests that floral offerings be omitted and memorial contributions be made in Jean’s memory to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, PA 18704 and/or Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 947 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.

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