Leona G. (Kairitis) McAlonis, 97, formerly of Pottsville entered into eternal rest Wednesday surrounded by her loving family at Orwigsburg Center Genesis Eldercare, Orwigsburg. Born September 2, 1917 in Shenandoah, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Monica (Kunitsky) Kairitis. She was a member of St. Patrick RC Church, Pottsville. Prior to retiring she was employed as a receptionist at the Area Agency on Aging, the United Cerebral Palsy, and the American Heart Association. She also worked as a cook at the former Necho Allen Hotel and the former Pottsville Club. Leona's favorite pastimes were knitting and cooking. She enjoyed knitting baby sweaters and baptismal outfits for family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert McAlonis (1978) and two brothers George and William Kairitis. Leona is survived by a son Richard W. McAlonis and his wife Betsy, Wrightsville; daughters Carol Zucal and her husband Francis, Minersville; Alva McCarthy and her husband James, Langhorne; Jeri Carroll, Lake Wynonah; Jaqi McAlonis, Clearmont, Fl. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In honor of Leona's wishes private funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville. Interment will be held in St. Francis of Assisi RC Cemetery, Minersville. The family requests donations be made to St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church Memorial Fund 319 Mahantongo Street Pottsville PA 17901 or The American Heart Association PO Box 15120 Chicago IL 60693. Please visit www.schlitzerallenpugh.com to leave a condolence for the McAlonis family.

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