Mrs. Paula Faye (Coleman) Elgonitis, 76, formerly of Wayne Street in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre, passed into Eternal Life Thursday morning, surrounded by her loving family, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, with whom she resided during her illness.

     Born June 9, 1941 in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter to the late Lawrence and Evelyn (Carey) Coleman.  Educated locally, she was a member of the 1959 graduating class from the former Fairview High School in Mountain Top.

     Previously, Mrs. Elgonitis was employed by the former Arlan's Department Store and the General Cinema Center, both in Wilkes-Barre Township. 

     Devoted to her Catholic faith, Mrs. Elgonitis was a life member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, formerly Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church prior to it's closure.  She remained active for many years in parish events and activities, including membership in the Christian Mothers at church.

     In her spare time, Paula enjoyed crafts, specifically creating various ceramics with her aunt Louise.  She is remembered as being a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was especially known for her motherly patience and compassion toward all those she knew and loved.

     She was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Sandra Casey and by her beloved husband, Mr. Edward R. Elgonitis Sr. on January 9, 2015.  At the time of his passing, the couple shared fifty-four years of married life together.

     Left to mourn her passing are her adoring children, Denise M. Carey and her husband Tom, with whom she resided;  Deborah A. Doak and her husband Joseph of Wilkes-Barre; Edward R. Elgonitis Jr. and his companion, Jose Hernandez of Nanticoke; and Matthew Elgonitis and his wife Donna of Birdsboro, PA.  Eleven Grandchildren, including Tom Carey; Heather Rogers and her husband Terry; Courtney Carey; Bryan Carey and his wife Julie; Mark Elgonitis; Tom Middaugh; Eric Elgonitis; Justin and David Elgonitis; Jacob and Emma Elgonitis; Six Great-Grandchildren, Destinee and T.J. Rogers; Keith and Keevan Carey; Mark Elgonitis Jr. and Eric Elgonitis Jr.; Sister, Mrs. Martha Kasarda of Luzerne; Several nieces, nephews, fellow parishioners and dear friends.

     Paula's family would gratefully like to acknowledge her special caregivers, Carl, Dee and Kirsten for the care and compassion shown their mom in her final days.

     Funeral services for Mrs. Elgonitis will be conducted on

Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 East Northampton Street, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue.  The Reverend John S. Terry, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Wyoming.

     Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Elgonitis' family for visitation and remembrances Monday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

     In lieu of floral tributes, the Elgonitis family would be humbled if those contemplating a memorial contribution in their mother's memory, kindly give thought to the Social Concerns Committee at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or to Bayada Hospice, 529 Seven Bridges Road #214, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

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