Obituary of Helen S. Blaker

Helen S. Blaker, 78, passed away peacefully at her home, in Wilkes-Barre, on Sunday morning, Nov. 23, 2014. Helen died with the same quiet grace that she displayed all her life. Born June 11, 1936, Helen was the daughter of the late Veronica Stankauskas Domelevicz Satankauskas and Anthony Stankauskas. She attended GAR High School and was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Wilkes-Barre. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who always put her family and friends first. Anyone who knew her loved her, and she was a friend to everyone. Helen simply loved life and even in the most difficult of times she still found joy in it. Helen loved vacationing with her family and friends, sharing a good meal with them and of course, shopping. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandson, Ryan. He was the light of her life and could put a smile on her face no matter how bad her day was. Preceding her in death were her husband, Richard "Dick" Blaker; stepfather, Charles Domelevicz; brothers, Pete Stankousky, Anthony Stankowski, and John Stankousky. Surviving is her daughter, Cheryl Dougalas and her husband, David; grandson, Ryan; and grandpets, Hunter and Fireball, all of Bear Creek; nieces, Eileen Kelly, Wyoming, Marion Sod and her husband Tom, Hunlock Creek, Debbie Wiesgable and her husband, Ken, Mountain Top; nephew, Gary Stankowksi, New York; along with several other nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews. Helen will be missed by many especially her special friends (who she loved like daughters): Irene Bly, Kathrine Butruce and Lisa Oldziewski. They always gave her love, compassion, care and most important a good laugh. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who provided exceptional care for Helen including, Dr. Patrick Kerrigan and his staff who always went above and beyond for her, Dr. Michael Adler and his staff, Renal Consultants and Celtic Hospice. Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark St., Plains Township, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Ss. Peter & Paul Church. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek. Memorial donations may be made in Helen's honor to the SPCA of Luzerne County .