Wilma Conklin

Wilma Conklin, 85, of Lackawaxen, (Masthope Community), passed away quietly in her sleep on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Emmanuel Center, operated by the Sisters of Saints Cyril & Methodius, Danville.

Born on October 8, 1938, in Michalovce, Slovakia, Wilma was the daughter of the late George and Anna Stefano.

Wilma married Fred Conklin on July 15, 1974. Their 50th Wedding Anniversary would have been this summer.

Wilma and her mother, Anna, arrived from Slovakia, sailing into New York Harbor on July 4, 1946 on the US Gibbins, a War-bride ship. Both Wilma and her mother took great pride in becoming citizens of the United States of America.

As a young child Wilma belonged to the Slovak Sokol in New York City, through which she participated in a variety of gymnastics, parades and dance events. At one of these she met her future husband Fred. For many years Wilma was a home-maker, and also worked as a receptionist and switch-board operator in several New York companies.

While Wilma was an expert in house cleaning, her favorite pasttimes included working and creating arts and crafts and especially loved working in gardening. Wilma had a great love for cats. She has housed at least six cats or more in the past few years, not wanting them to stay outside in the bitter cold. She made a warm home for many in her lifetime.

Wilma is preceded in death by her mother Anna, and father, George Stefano, as well as her seven year old daughter, Michelle.

She is survived by loving family members: Fred (husband), and her daughter, Janet, as well as a sister, Janet, from Michigan City, IN, and a brother, George, (wife Susanne), who reside in Milan, NY and two nieces, Tara (Stefano) Dzurkoc and Kristine (Stefano) D’Ambrosia who reside in New Jersey. Two cousins still reside in Slovakia: Jozef Pavelko, and Alena (Pavelko) Zvarna. A third cousin, Fero, is deceased.

While it was Wilma’s wish to be cremated and to be buried in Slovakia, a special Celebration of Life will take place at: St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, 125 Richardson Ave, Shohola, PA 18458 1(570)832-4275. The date for this Celebration of Life and Mass of the Resurrection, is tentatively, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 11:00am. Visitation will take place at the Church at 10:00am for anyone wishing to extend condolences to the family.

Memorial Mass donations may be made to the Sisters of Saints Cyril & Methodius, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821, who have always held a special place in her heart. Donations may also be made in Wilma’s name to the Humane Society, Animal Shelter or Rescue Shelter of your choice.