Catherine Slavich, 95, of Scranton, passed on December 7, 2020 at Geisinger/CMC ER after being stricken ill at home. Catherine left this earthly dwelling to be with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and prayed to and to be with her best friend and husband Michael who she was married to for 65 wonderful and glorious years. Born in Somerset, PA, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Semich of Somerset. As an infant she came to Scranton to live with and be raised in the Baran family during the Great Depression as their own daughter, whom Catherine considered as her parents. Catherine was a kind, caring, mother and friend to all that knew her. Many people came to her to seek advice on many subjects, God and life in general. As a mother, she was loved and adored by her only son Michael, who will miss her dearly. Michael always had her for advice, compassion and motherly love. In her earlier years, she was active with and a past president of Crusade Chapter Order of Demolay Mothers Auxiliary, the Melita Coeur de Lion Commandry Ladies Auxiliary, and the auxiliary of Boy Scout Troop 5 and was active in church affairs at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church and was the last Ukrainian speaking Church Secretary. Though she outlived most of her peers and all of her family, she acquired a new generation of friends who loved her. She is survived by her only son Michael Slavich and his companion Barbara and her two sons, James and his son Jordan, and Michael who always called Catherine, Grandma Slavich. A special thank you is given to Linda Lazuka her friend and caregiver with whom she spent endless hours talking and eating. She was predeceased by 12 siblings.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, West Scranton, officiated by Rev. Fr. Philip Harendza and Rev. Fr. Myron Oryhon. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the direction and care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.
