Joyce K. Cerep, 64, of Old Forge, died Monday June 16 at Geisinger Community Medical Center. She was the widow of James "Jumbo" Cerep, who died in 1994.
Born in Scranton, Joyce was a daughter of the late Herman and Catherine Cortese Lannak and a member of Divine Mercy Parish. A graduate of Bishop Klonowski High School, she was employed by Northeast Rehab.
Joyce loved to cook, and always enjoyed baking holiday cookies during Christmas, her favorite time of year. The beach was her "happy place," especially Key West, Florida.
Joyce was a loving mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by her family and friends. After her husband's death, she single-handedly raised her son, Jim and daughter, Chloe with love and affection. Her granddaughter, Ava, was her world and she loved spending time with her.
Joyce's family would like to thank the nurses of Geisinger CMC's Intensive Care Unit and Progressive Care Unit, for their compassionate care during her final illness.
Surviving are a son, James and partner, Denise Timlin; and a daughter, Chloe, and partner, Greg Jones; a granddaughter, Ava Jones; a sister, Carol Eltringham and husband, Bill; a brother, Tony Lannak and fiancé, Kimberly Neary; two sisters-in-law, Mari Walsh and husband, Rich; and Joan Cerep; two brothers-in-law, Donald Sparacino, and David Sparacino and wife, Diane; two aunts, Joanne Cortese and Jeanne Lannak; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Tom and Lawrence Cerep.
The funeral will be Saturday, June 21, with Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish at St. Joseph's Church, 312 Davis St., celebrated by Rev. Paul A. McDonnell, OSJ, pastor. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m., at the church. Private interment will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of the Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, 1900 Pittston Ave. To e-mail condolences, please visit the funeral home website.