Rita S. Courtney
Rita Courtney, age 90, died Sunday, January 17, 2021 after a long and active life. Born in Plymouth, she was one of seven children of the late Michael and Constance Shymansky. Her first husband, Anthony Matus who died in 1971 and her second husband, Arthur Courtney who died in 1996, predeceased her. Upon graduation from Plymouth High School in 1949, Rita began working at the Bell Telephone Company as a long distance operator. She continued her career with the company in various capacities until her retirement. Known for her high energy, self-discipline, and work ethic, she was a tireless employee and volunteer. She was a member of the Plymouth Women’s Civic Club, The Lithuanian Women’s Club, Bell Telephone Pioneers and the Irem Temple Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed attending Mass at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Kingston, particularly when her son, Bruce was Lector. Rita was an avid reader and lover of classical music who instilled a love and respect for learning in her children. She had a wonderful eye for fashion, interior design and enjoyed shopping for antiques and house sales. She was a woman who took all her responsibilities seriously. Rita will be remembered as a loyal daughter, devoted wife who cared for two husbands throughout their cancer illnesses, and loving mother and friend. Three children, her daughter and son-in-law, Ulf and Suzanne Ghosh, Florida, son, Anthony Bruce Matus, Kingston and son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Sherri Matus, Harveys Lake, survive her. Her greatest joy was seeing all three of her granddaughters graduate from college. They are Natalie Ghosh Nolan, Perth, Australia, Alexandra Ghosh, Florida and Courtney Matus Hergen, New Orleans. In addition, three great grandchildren, her sisters and brother, Patricia Jola, Marilyn Kuschke, Lois Pavesi and James Shymansky, survive her. Her brothers, Robert and Donald Shymansky predeceased her. Her children would also like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Gernhardt and her staff, Rachel Stasukinas, Dr. Al Boonin and the staff of The Meadows Nursing Home, Dallas for their care and compassion for Rita. Arrangements have been entrusted to Graziano Funeral Home Inc., Pittston Twp. The family service will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to The Wyoming Valley Children’s Association, 1133 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 or wvcakids.org in honor of Rita. For further information or to express your condolences to Rita’s family, please visit www.GrazianoFuneralHome.comObituary
Rita Courtney, age 90, died Sunday, January 17, 2021 after a long and active life. Born in Plymouth, she was one of seven children of the late Michael and Constance Shymansky. Her first husband, Anthony Matus who died in 1971 and her second husband, Arthur Courtney who died in 1996, predeceased her. Upon graduation from Plymouth High School in 1949, Rita began working at the Bell Telephone Company as a long distance operator. She continued her career with the company in various capacities until her retirement. Known for her high energy, self-discipline, and work ethic, she was a tireless employee and volunteer. She was a member of the Plymouth Women’s Civic Club, The Lithuanian Women’s Club, Bell Telephone Pioneers and the Irem Temple Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed attending Mass at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Kingston, particularly when her son, Bruce was Lector. Rita was an avid reader and lover of classical music who instilled a love and respect for learning in her children. She had a wonderful eye for fashion, interior design and enjoyed shopping for antiques and house sales. She was a woman who took all her responsibilities seriously. Rita will be remembered as a loyal daughter, devoted wife who cared for two husbands throughout their cancer illnesses, and loving mother and friend. Three children, her daughter and son-in-law, Ulf and Suzanne Ghosh, Florida, son, Anthony Bruce Matus, Kingston and son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Sherri Matus, Harveys Lake, survive her. Her greatest joy was seeing all three of her granddaughters graduate from college. They are Natalie Ghosh Nolan, Perth, Australia, Alexandra Ghosh, Florida and Courtney Matus Hergen, New Orleans. In addition, three great grandchildren, her sisters and brother, Patricia Jola, Marilyn Kuschke, Lois Pavesi and James Shymansky, survive her. Her brothers, Robert and Donald Shymansky predeceased her. Her children would also like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Gernhardt and her staff, Rachel Stasukinas, Dr. Al Boonin and the staff of The Meadows Nursing Home, Dallas for their care and compassion for Rita. Arrangements have been entrusted to Graziano Funeral Home Inc., Pittston Twp. The family service will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to The Wyoming Valley Children’s Association, 1133 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 or wvcakids.org in honor of Rita. For further information or to express your condolences to Rita’s family, please visit www.GrazianoFuneralHome.com