Catherine A. (Russo) Monte

Catherine A. Monte, formerly of Conyngham, passed away Wednesday afternoon at St. Luke Manor, Hazleton where she has been a resident for the past 11 years surrounded by her family.

Born in New York, NY on January 13, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Rosa (Gucci) Russo.

Catherine was employed as a seamstress in NY sewing uniforms for the Navy, children’s clothing, and draperies prior to moving to Pennsylvania in 1968.  She also owned and operated Monte’s pizza and ice cream parlor in Conyngham.

She enjoyed writing poetry, a few that were published in the 1989 Book of American Poetry and Anthology. Catherine also spent many hours knitting, crocheting, and making crafts. She found fulfillment in helping others spending many years caring for foster children through Children and Youth in Wilkes Barre providing a home with love for over 40 foster children.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her first infant son, her loving husband Anthony A. Monte on July 8, 2008, a brother Samuel Russo and sisters Josephine Puccio and Connie Sereno.

The best time of her life was raising her children, the births of her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.  Her memory will live on in her four children: Frank Monte and his wife Arlene, Rochester, NY; Linda Beishline and her husband Rusty, Conyngham; Vincent Monte, Conyngham; and Paula Ochs and her husband Douglas, Sugarloaf; 10 grandchildren Jeremy Monte, Bree Snyder, Jaime Chyko, Daniel Monte, Samuel Beishline, Emily Monte, Andrew, Gregory, Jeffrey, and Lia Ochs, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held Saturday at 10:00 am from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East) 669 West Butler Drive, Drums.  Burial will follow in Conyngham Union Cemetery, Conyngham.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-9 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation can be made to Luzerne County Children and Youth 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 110, Wilkes Barre, PA 18701.  Online condolences may be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com

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