Maria Proch, 56, fell asleep in the Lord at Geisinger-CMC Hospital, Scranton, PA on Monday, June 25, 2018.
Born in Carbondale, PA, the daughter of Marie Kutch Proch and the late Walter Proch, Maria received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Misericordia University and her Master’s Degree from Wilkes College. She taught in the Lakeland School District/Mayfield Elementary Center.
Maria was active in many aspects of local, regional and national Church life. A member of Saint Basil Church [OCA], Simpson, PA, she served as Parish Council President for 13 years, Treasurer and choir member. During her tenure as President, the parish’s the current church building was constructed. For many years she was a member of the Department of Christian Education [DCE] of the Orthodox Church in America. She was especially involved in producing a number of DCE activity books and related educational resources. For many years, she delighted children at the annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery through her engaging activity booth. A member of the Board of Trustees of the Century Association of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA, she was awarded a gramota for her exemplary work for the Church. She also served as a volunteer at Scranton’s Ronald McDonald.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by two brothers, Walter [Maryanne] Proch and John Proch; a sister, Daria [Dr. David]; three nieces and a nephew, and cousins.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home, Simpson, PA on Friday, June 29. A Parastas will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be celebrated at Saint Basil Church, 9 Lord Avenue, Simpson, PA at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30. Interment will follow at Saint John Cemetery, Dundaff, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Maria’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, 332 Wheeler Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 or Saint Basil Church [OCA], 9 Lord Ave., Simpson, PA 18407. Online condolences may be sent in care of the Scotchlas Funeral Home.
May Maria’s memory be eternal!