Catherine Buckley Abdalla, 78, of Moosic, died unexpectedly Saturday at Moses Taylor Hospital after a life filled with love and laughter. She still loved holding hands with her husband of 56 years, Michael G. Abdalla.
Born to the late Catherine and William Buckley on Sept. 4, 1940, Catherine graduated from West Scranton High School. She married her husband Michael on Dec. 30, 1961. They moved to Fort Knox, Ky., before eventually returning to Northeast Pennsylvania. She was active with her church and the Penn State Worthington community. She decorated her house for every holiday to the joy of her neighbors and grandchildren.
Cathy enjoyed sitting around the table with family and friends, hearing their stories and sharing memories. Dedicated to her Catholic faith, she volunteered regularly at Divine Mercy Parish, Scranton, and adored Father Pauselli's jokes. She could finish any crossword or Sudoku puzzle. She blessed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with an endless supply of love.
In addition to her husband, Michael, she is survived by five children, Mary Jo Sheridan (Mark), Betsy May, Jane Kuchinski, Michael Abdalla (Patricia) and Patrick (Molly); grandchildren, Tom, Sarah (Chris), Michael (Kaitlin), Matthew, Alexander (Elizabeth), Devon, Shannon (Tunde), Silas, Margaret, Ethan, Liam, Michael, Elizabeth and Mary; four great-grandchildren, Jack, Henry, Michael and Michael; a brother, William Buckley; a sister, Elizabeth Gavin; brothers-in-law, Richard and Peter (Carolyn); and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Marie Kreis; a nephew, Michael Kreis; sister-in-law, Dolores Buckley; and brothers-in-law, Frank Gavin and Robert Kreis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church at Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor, followed by interment at Cathedral Cemetery.
Friends may call Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.
Those attending the funeral on Wednesday are requested to go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., Scranton, PA 18505. To send online condolences, visit the funeral home website.