Josephine A. Stanko

Josephine A. Stanko, 75, of Shoemakersville PA, passed away on Thursday evening, December 22, 2016, at the Phoebe Berks in Wernersville following a challenging battle with cancer.

Josephine was born in Ranshaw, Northumberland County, PA on March 18, 1941, the sixth child and only daughter of Walter Piechowski, born in Poland and Anna Domanski, born in Ranshaw, Pennsylvania.

She was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Hamburg, PA where she spent much of her time assisting Pastor Don and was part of the St. Mary's "exercise class "every Tuesday and Thursday, participating and serving as the cashier.

She graduated from Coal Township High School and shortly there after began work for Father Matthew Swizdor. As Father Matthew's reputation grew in the healing ministry she and her mother moved to Chicopee, Massachusetts to where Fr. Matt had been reassigned and then on to Auburn, New York.

While working with father Matt she met her husband to be, Frank C.Stanko, formerly of West Lawn, Pennsylvania. Frank's wife Dorothy had passed away in 1985 and while at work Frank was introduced to Josephine and the courtship began. They were married in 1987.

Both Josephine and Frank served on Father Matt's advance team, providing books and other assistance for those who would attend his ministry. As a demand grew for Father Matt's speaking engagements they traveled the Caribbean Europe and Canada. Life was good for the newlyweds!

When Father Matt passed away Frank and Josephine set off for Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania to be close to Frank's children, Mike and Ron and Ron's children. The rest is a storybook life for both of them. They were inseparable, she was the spark that kept Frank going and he was a night in shining armor that Father Matt said would come to her someday.

Josephine is survived by her brother Walter, 89, Delaware, and her grandchildren Maria and Ron.

She is also survived by Ronald Stanko, husband of Elaine, and the "grandkids" Rebecca, Boston,MA, Robert, husband of Mallory(Pelland), Philadelphia, Andrew and Caty of Wyomissing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, December 30, 2016, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. A viewing will be held Friday from 9:30-10 a.m. In the church. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made and Josie's name to St. Mary's Church, Hamburg PA at the above address. Online condolences can be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.