Catherine Auriemma Stemphoski

It is with great sadness that we announce we have lost a mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Catherine Auriemma Stemphoski, Newton Township, died at her home on Friday morning. She was the widow of John Stemphoski, Jr., her husband of 56 years.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Piontek and late Andrew Auriemma and stepdaughter of the late John Piontek.

She and her husband were foster parents to several foster children. She was a lifetime member, past president, and held several offices for the Newton-Ransom Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Cathy and her husband and son served on the ambulance as EMTs at the N-R Fire Company. She was also a member of the Church of St. Benedict. Cathy was retired from the family business. Prior to that she had  worked at Capitol Records and Lady Manhattan.

Her famous saying was "I had a good life!". Cathy and her husband traveled to many local and distant countries, her favorite being Australia and New Zealand.

She is survived by son John J. Stemphoski and daughter Margo Pritchyk, both of Newton Township; grandsons Joseph and Jacob Pritchyk; and many friends. She loved her godchildren Jennifer Bogumil and Cathy Heater, as well as her nieces Rose Erhard and Peggy Hale, who stepped up to make sure they were there for her and calling every week to check on her after her husband's death.

She was also preceded in death by a son Stephen; and her son-in-law, Joseph Pritchyk.

At her request, there will be no viewing or services. A private interment will be held at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Memorials may be made to the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company, 1890 Newton-Ransom Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411.