Helen Sarago, 85, of Pittston passed away on Thursday, December 14th, 2017. Born in Port Griffith on January 6th, 1932, Helen was the daughter of the late John and Lucille Koziel.
She was a graduate of Jenkins Township High School and was employed at the Consolidated Cigar Factory in Pittston prior to retirement.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Anthony “Tony” Sarago; her siblings: sisters, Mary Gorrick, Eleanor Robertson, and Josie Zimniski; brothers, John Koziel, Walter Koziel, and Bernie Koziel.
Surviving are daughters, Patti Baker and her husband Brian, Laflin; and Donna Sabuto and her husband, Robert, Old Forge; granddaughters, Tiffany Sabuto, Katie Baker and Mollie Baker; sister in law, Rose DeAlba, Pittston, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen was always full of laughter, loudness, and joy, particularly in those moments spent with family and friends. She was an avid Bingo player, enjoying the gathering and socialization amongst friends just as much as the games themselves. Her affinity for “scratch off” lottery tickets, as well as her favorite Polish dishes, gave Tony, her husband, something to tease her about, until she was winning- then he remained quiet. He always preferred for her to do the talking, and she did just that for 60 years of the marriage, which they celebrated in 2013.
The family could always count on Helen for the latest news, which she knew before anyone else. Her affinity for talking was contagious- if she wasn’t surrounded by her family and friends, you could be sure she was happily speaking with her girlfriends on the telephone daily. A member of the “Jenkins Gang,” Helen kept in close contact with her childhood friends throughout her lifetime, a testament to her commitment and devotion to others and their well-being, which she cared about greatly. Moreover, her dedication to her family and granddaughters was unwavering. There was not a holiday nor event to which she was not present for her daughters and granddaughters throughout the years. She consistently hosted Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, amongst many other celebrations and gatherings throughout her lifetime, readily taking pride in all of the holiday splendor that she took so much time to plan.
Family and friends will remember Helen, not just for her bountiful laughter and smile, but for her attentiveness, her caring attitude, her cooking of her favorite Polish food, and her complete devotion as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many people.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses, aides, and staff of Wesley Village and to Dr. Guy Fasciana for the care, treatment, and kindness of Helen. Most especially, the family would like to express their sincere thanks to Compassionate Care Hospice for the care and time spent with
Helen.
Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.