Elizabeth Ann Skosko, 83, lovingly known as Betty Ann Kniolek, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 22, 2024, surrounded by her children and her loving husband, John (Jack). Betty Ann was born in Scranton, PA and was the daughter of the late Mary (Rudick) Kniolek (Dickson City) and Anthony P. Kniolek (Tony the Baker) born in Springfield, MA. She was married for 61 years to her loving husband, John (Jack) Skosko, RCA, Veteran and Musician. The couple were wed at St Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, before becoming members of St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her brother, Anthony M. Kniolek (Tony) and brother in-law, Peter Skosko (both of Scranton). She is survived by her children; daughter caregiver, Susan Marie Skosko, Scranton, Pittsburgh, NYC, and her significant other, M Dane Wallisch, Carlisle, Pittsburgh. Son, John Paul Skosko (Jack) wife, Robin Lynn Mills Skosko and her four adoring grandchildren, Carter Michael Skosko (fiancee’ Miriam Falcone) (Italy), Twins Landon John Skosko, Nolan James Skosko, and Ellie Catherine Skosko, (Honey Brook, PA), her aunt, Helen ( Helshe) Rudick Pallo, 93, NJ. Nieces and Nephews; Cynthia Ann Wirkman, husband Alan & children Corey and Brittany, Pamela Ann Skosko and sister in law, Theresa Mary Rose Beck Skosko, (Texas). Anthony M. Kniolek II (Scranton), Laura Kniolek Hagerman and husband Lance (Pittsburgh), and sister in law Susan Evans Kniolek, (Scranton), and many other cousins. Betty was known for her vibrant smile and warm personality. She was a graduate of Keystone Junior College, West Scranton High School (1958), where she proudly performed as a Baton Twirler Majorette. In her younger years, was member of the Catholic Junior League and worked for Mutual of New York. Betty later served as Medical Secretary at Caesar, Metzger and Barakat’s Orthopedics. A breast cancer survivor in her 40s, she was a trailblazer in breast cancer awareness, courageously advocating for self-examination during a local TV interview at a time when the topic was rarely discussed.
Before retiring, Betty was the Office Manager at a Psychiatry Practice in Bank Towers. In her retirement, she devoted herself to caring for her aging parents and became a dedicated caregiver for her mother.
She cherished her four grandchildren, showering them with love, kisses, and hugs, and expressing her affection through her exceptional cooking and baking.
Betty’s legacy of love, resilience, and service will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. The family would like to thank all the doctors and health care providers since her MDS diagnosis, Dr Kasuri Veerabhadrappa, Hematology and Staff, Dr. Kenneth Sebastianellii, NP Sonia, Becka and staff. Dr. Mohamad Dogar, Greater Cardiology and staff, the staff at Regional Hospital, Comprehensive Home Health. Especially, Nurse Brianna, Renee’ PT, Steve OT, and Sarah RN, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Home Health. A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 am at St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 310 Broadway Street, Scranton by the Rev. Fr. Roman Vasylynka. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Minooka. Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, 5 to 7 pm, with a Parastas Service at 7 pm, at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.
