Mary Ann Jancuska

Mary Ann Jancuska of Luzerne PA., passed away on February 5, 2022 at General Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She was born at 619 Miller St., Luzerne PA on February 28, 1932, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Pilat) Kester. Mary was a graduate of Luzerne High School. In her early years Mary had several jobs; she worked in a variety of offices and retail settings. Mary was classically trained in ballroom dancing and was an instructor from the Arthur Murray School of Dance. She was often hired to dance professionally at weddings. As a photographer favorite and a classic beauty, she was hired as a professional model in the Wilkes-Barre area. On November 22, 1956 she married Joseph S. Jancuska and moved to Joliet, IL. Over the next 8 years the couple had seven children and her fulltime journey as a wife and mother began. In December of 1966, the family moved back to Pennsylvania into the family home where she was born on Miller St. in Luzerne, PA. Mary and her husband took over ownership and daily operations of Kester’s Café which holds one of the oldest liquor licenses in Luzerne County. Over the years, Mary established herself in the community hosting a myriad of parties and functions for Kester’s Cafe. Preceding her in death was her husband, Joseph. Mary is survived by her 7 children; Dr. Lori Davis (James) Irving, TX, John Jancuska (Michelle) Fairfax, VA, Joseph Jancuska (Kathy) Irving, TX, Mary Jo Buzard (Michael) Benson, NC, Michael Jancuska, Luzerne, PA., Andrew Jancuska Irving, TX and Thomas Jancuska (Millie), Archer Lodge, NC. Mary is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 additional great grandchild expected to arrive July 2022. A viewing will be held at Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, 568 Bennett Street, Luzerne on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on February 11, 2022 at Holy Family Roman Catholic located at 574 Bennett St, Luzerne PA. The service will begin at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested you hold a dinner in your home to celebrate your family. Mary Jancuska believed that family was everything! You may also make a donation to Candy’s Place, a cancer wellness center, in the name of Mary Jancuska.