Bernadette McConnell-Dolan, 80, died Sunday at the River Street Manor, Wilkes-Barre. She was the widow of the late Robert J. McConnell Sr. and Vincent J. Dolan. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Sr. and Helen Kreiger Ptaszynski. Bernie was a lifelong member of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, St. Paul of the Cross Parish, Scranton, where she was a member of the Youth Activities Group, was a Lector, a Eucharistic Minister and on the Liturgy team as well as being involved with most church fund raisers and church groups. Bernie was on the Board of Directors at the Scranton Catholic Youth Center and also ministered at St. Ann’s Monastery and the former St. John the Evangelist Church in South Scranton. Bernie served her country as a Navy Wave with the 3rd Naval District, NY, NY and received the Naval American Spirit Honor Award. She retired after 25 years from Gertrude Hawks Candy and then became a door greeter at Sam’s Club in Dickson City. She is survived by one daughter, Tricia Smith, Wilkes-Barre, Robert McConnell, GA, Michael Dolan, NY, 9 grandchildren. She was also predeceased by two siblings, Pearl Pron and Joseph Ptaszynski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10 am in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, at St. Paul of The Cross Parish, 1217 Prospect Avenue, South Scranton, to be celebrated by the Rev. Richard Czachor. Interment will be private in Sacred Hearts Cemetery, Minooka. Viewing for family and friends will be on Wednesday, 5 to 8 pm in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.
