Paula Patricia Munchak

Paula Patricia Munchak, 81, of Dalton, and formerly of Scranton, died Saturday evening, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Michael "Mooney" Munchak.

Paula was the sixth of seven children born to Eugene and Elizabeth Clark Healey in Scranton on Dec. 2, 1936. She was an adorable little "tomboy" who enjoyed playing outside and roller skating at the Watres Armory.

Paula graduated from Scranton Technical High School in 1955, where she met the love of her life, Mike "Mooney" Munchak, who she married in June 1957. The newlyweds made their first home in "the Flats" of South Side, before relocating to Harrison Avenue in "the Hill Section," where they lived happily for over 54 years. There, Paula and Mooney raised six wonderful children and taught them by example, daily lessons in honesty, respect, loyalty, responsibility, kindness, a solid work ethic, and most importantly, a strong faith in God. Paula's main focus in life was her family, and she selflessly sacrificed for her kids. Working the night shifts at National Pretzel and Haddon Craftsmen enabled her to be an ever-present Mom, there to send her children off to school in the morning and there at home for them in the afternoon, before starting supper. Very active in all of their many sports and activities, especially the East Scranton Youth Sports Program, she worked the concession stand for baseball, softball and football seasons, sewed the cheerleading uniforms, and, come game-time, cheered loudly in the stands. Paula and her entire family have always been passionate about their football teams, be it the East Scranton Apollos, the Scranton Central Golden Eagles, the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Houston Oilers, the Tennessee Titans or the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most Sundays during football season were spent with family and friends in the Munchak's living room, everyone wearing team gear and cheering loudly, with Paula leading the cheers. The Munchaks organized and hosted numerous fun bus trips over the years to NFL games, with Paula always making sure everyone had plenty to eat.

Paula was always taking care of others. Her family loved her delicious home cooked meals, especially her legendary breaded chicken strips. She made her home so warm and welcoming, always making a special effort on all holidays to decorate every square inch of the house. She never forgot a birthday, sending cards faithfully to over 100 family members and friends.

In addition to her children and husband, Paula's 13 grandchildren were the loves of her life. She showered them with affection and treated each one like they were "the favorite."

Paula was always smiling, laughing and chatting with anyone who crossed her path - she didn't know a stranger. Her joy of life was contagious and her compassion for others unparalleled. Many referred to her as St. Paula for good reason. She was the embodiment of kindness, nurturing and love. The world is a better place because she was in it.

Paula is survived by her six children, Susan Resavy and husband, Charles, Harrisburg; Michael Munchak and wife, Marci, Pittsburgh; Sharon Czankner and husband, David, Dunmore; Jillian Jones and husband, Timothy, Dalton; Melissa Rohm and husband, Robert, Turbotville; Tracy Luczak and husband, Thomas, Mantua, N.J.; two sisters, Judith Czankner, Scranton; and Kay Bean, Rockville, Md.; 13 grandchildren, Alexandria Munchak, Stephanie Kohanski, Julie Doyle, Abigail Resavy, Samantha Jones, Daniel Resavy, Nicholas Rohm, Shannon Jones, Jacob Rohm, Shawn Jones, Kelly Czankner, Lindsay Luczak, Shane Luczak; and a first great-grandchild due to be born in March, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four siblings, Joan Cummings, Marguerite Frable, Robert Healey and Geraldine Zolfo.

The funeral will be conducted Friday with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 2 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. The family will receive friends at the church for the hour preceding services, commencing at 1 p.m. Interment, private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements, Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 71 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701; or to the American Heart Association, Northeast Pa. Chapter, 968 Postal Road, Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18109.