Pauline M. Syrko, 89, of Donora, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at her home with her loving family at her side. She was born July 9, 1929, in Monessen, the daughter of the late John and Sophia Kenes Turanin. Pauline, affectionately known as “Baba” to many, was a member of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Donora, where she was a member of the church choir which was special to her since her youth, Ladies Club and the Cana Sodality both of St. Michael Church. She was employed at Sears Roebuck & Co. and then at Bucks Garage of Webster. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her family and cooking Sunday dinner. She loved taking photographs of the many family events. (Sorry Barry and Sandi about your wedding pictures! Mom made me). Pauline liked to listen to polka music on Sunday mornings with Joe. She would frequently tape Masses and choir music which she would use to bring joy to others. In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph C. Syrko Jr.; father and mother-in-law, Joseph C. and Mary (Buck) Syrko; sisters, Sophie (Harry) Markinack, Ann (Timothy) Donahoe, Madeline (Charles) Reppert and two infant sisters, Mary and Mary; a brother, John G. Turanin; and a special friend, David Haworth. Survivors include her son, David J. (Donna Coleman) Syrko of Donora; daughter, Linda A. (Jeffrey) Koceski of Monongahela; daughter-in-law, Kimberly J. Syrko of Donora; six grandchildren, David J. (Felicia) Syrko Jr., Stephanie (Jeremy) Layne, Joseph W. (Paula Fugazzotto) Syrko, Matthew (Jamie) Koceski, Ryan and Caitlin Koceski; 4 great grandchildren, Leif and Alexis Syrko and Logan and Lucas Koceski; a sister, Irene (Edward-deceased ) Wigginton of Texas; two brothers, Michael (Nancy) Turanin of N.J. and William Turanin of Fla.; two sisters-in-law, Pauline D. Koval and Rose Turanin; also many special nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St., Ext., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2019. A Panachida Service will be held in the funeral home at noon Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, followed by a funeral liturgy at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael Byzantine Rite Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Stephen Wahal celebrating. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Donora. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
