Madelyn Shander Ksiazek of Olyphant died Thursday in Moses Taylor Hospital. She was the widow of Frank Ksiazek, who died in 1972.
Born in Peckville, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Victoria Matyelwicz Shander. She was a graduate of Blakely High School and Hahnemann School of Nursing and was employed with the Lackawanna Medical Group as a registered nurse. She was a member of Holy Cross Parish and the former St. Michael the Archangel Church, Olyphant, and its Christian Women's Organization.
Madelyn or "Mal," as she was known to family and friends, taught her family the true meaning of love, strength, perseverance, commitment, dignity and courage through her example. She did much for many. Her caring spirit and love will remain in the hearts of all whose lives she touched. She is reunited with her heavenly family and canine pets whom she adored and loved.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to Dr. Ken Sebastianelli for his many years of outstanding care during her long illness; her devoted and loving friend and caretaker, Stacy; the assistance from VNA hospice and home health; and especially her nurse, Karen Deykel, for her love and kindness and Kelly for outstanding care.
Surviving are a son Frank A. Jr., Henderson, Nev.; a daughter, Marilynn, Dickson City; a brother, Ernest Shander, M.D., Scottsdale, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews, including Ernie Shander and Dr. Kathy Guarniere.
She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Charolotte Yushinsky and Agnes Shander, and her best friend and canine companion, Rusty.
Services will be Tuesday with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant. Friends may call from 8:30 until the service in the church. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Blakely.
Memorial contributions may be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. Arrangements by the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grand St., Olyphant. Visit www.Glinskyfuneralhome.com .