Carol A. Gratkowski, 79, of Dunmore, passed away on Friday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia after a brief but courageous battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Born in Scranton on November 24, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Dench, Sr and Mary Perih Dench. Carol was the epitome of a caring and selfless mother. Her family meant the world to her, and she always put their needs before her own. She cherished being a mother and considered it her greatest joy in life. Her grandchildren adored her and eagerly looked forward to spending time with their loving and nurturing “Grandma” or “Baya.” Her house was a favorite gathering place for them. Carol had a kind and compassionate nature. As a young woman, she opened her home to children from a local orphanage during the holidays, ensuring they had a memorable Christmas. When she found herself in the role of caregiver, those under her care were grateful for her love and support. Carol was also a smart and inspiring role model. She taught her children the values of love, pursuing their dreams, and maintaining a strong faith in God. Her influence will forever be cherished by her children and grandchildren. Professionally, Carol had a diverse career after graduating from Scranton Technical High School. She worked in financial processing for Prudential Retirement Services and some prior positions included Harper Collins, NatWest, Fleet, JCPenney Telemarketing, Perih Orthodontics and Price Chopper. Carol Ann Gratkowski will be deeply missed by her surviving family, including her son Marc Gratkowski and his children Luke and Ian (Dunmore, PA); her daughter Holly Gratkowski, husband Joe Steitz and children Keith, Brayden, and Gavin (Wayne, PA); her son Jason Gratkowski, wife Megan and children Evangeline and Nolan (Jim Thorpe, PA); and her son Jeremy Gratkowski (Dunmore, PA). She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Boniewicz (Dunmore, PA) as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Keith Gratkowski, and brother Joseph Dench, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 9:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 801 Taylor Avenue, Scranton. Following the service, Carol will be laid to rest at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 262 Railroad Avenue in West Scranton.
We are forever grateful for all the support from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the amazing Penn Medicine doctors and nurses who expertly and lovingly cared for our Mom. In honor of Carol’s memory, contributions can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.
May Carol’s loving spirit and the beautiful memories she leaves behind bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
