Julie A. Gentry, 72, of Scranton, passed peacefully Sunday, May 23, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer. Julie is the widow of the late Larry E. Gentry, who passed on October 11, 2017. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Julia Macheska. She was also predeceased by her sister, Joan Gavalis. Julie was a 1966 graduate of West Scranton High School. She served her community throughout her working years, later for the Lackawanna County Head Start Program and retired from United Neighborhood Centers. She is survived by her two children, Megan Williams and Brandon Williams, and Stephen Schneider who Julie considered as her son and her granddaughter, who she called her “sugarplum angel”, Ellia Schneider. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ann Hartley and husband Ronald, Brooklyn, NY, nieces and nephews. Julie was loved for her gentle, caring and generous nature. She was admired for her creativity, strength and free spirit. Her ability to listen with an open mind and without judgement, made her a great person to have a meaningful conversation with. With a truly caring heart, she offered unique insights and advice, always encouraging us to be forgiving. She had a wonderful ability to make others feel special and loved by remembering birthdays, making a surprise phone call, or by giving thoughtful hand crafted gifts. Her diverse interests included music, dance, crafting, Native American culture, gardening, befriending stray cats and always making her home beautiful and welcoming for family and friends. She treasured her time spent with family, friends and especially her granddaughter. In one of her final conversations with her children, she offered perhaps her best advice to us. She wants us all to remember and keep in our hearts what she concluded life was all about…Love. Private inurnment will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery alongside her beloved husband Larry. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, September 18th from 2 to 4 pm. It will be held at Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510, at the Schimelfenig Pavilion. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton
