Deceased Classmates

"I'm Free"

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me,
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play,
tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy,
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
ah yes, these things, I too, miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don't lengthen it now with undue grief,
lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now, He's set me free.

NO MATTER HOW BRIEF IT MAY SEEM,
A LIFE ON EARTH HAS PURPOSE. IT
CAN REFLECT THE WARMTH OF GOD'S
LOVE, HOLD BACK THE FORCES OF EVIL
AND BECOME A PART OF HIS GLORIOUS
KINGDOM FOREVER.

THOSE WE LOVE NEVER DIE, FOR AS
LONG AS WE LIVE AND REMEMBER,
THEY ARE WITH US.

THOMAS P. KOKURA , 58, of Bear Creek Road, Dupont, died Saturday, February 28, 2009. He was born Sept. 26, 1950, in Nesquehoning, Pa. He was a graduate of Panther Valley High School and Lehigh University. He recently retired from Luzerne/ Wyoming County MH/MR. Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Madelyn Shandra Kokura; and daughter Alexandra. He was a devoted husband and loving father, and he will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will held 6 p.m. today at St. Rocco’s Church, 62 W. Oak St. Pittston. Friends may call from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service at church. Arrangements are being provided by Graziano Funeral Home, Pittston Township. All services will be held at St. Rocco’s R. C. Church.
Published in the Times Leader on 3/5/2009

Monica (DeLauretis), Ficara BORN: November 24, 1950 DIED: June 26, 2009: Born and raised in Lansford, PA, Monica later resided in Warsaw, IN where she married her true love and best friend, Anthony. Shortly after they relocated to New Jersey and settled in West Deptford. Monica will be remembered for her warm and generous nature with a special touch for caring for her cats and a general love of animals. Monica worked as an office manager for Lawn Doctor in Cherry Hill for the past six years. Away form her work, Monica enjoyed volunteering at the Phila. Zoo and spending time with her husband and family at their summer home in Sea Isle City. Monica will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Monica is the beloved wife of Anthony Ficara; Dear step-mother of Brian (Cindy) Ficara; Loving daughter of Elizabeth and the late Peter DeLauretis; Devoted sister of Nancy (Ed) Cole and cherished grandmother of Gabrielle and Emma Ficara. Monica is also survived by her mother in law, sister and brothers in law and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Monica's Visitation on Thursday after 5 PM in the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ where a Memorial Service will follow at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.