Celestine H. (Bekier) Yachim

     Announcing the passing of a wonderful, caring mother and friend to many.  Mrs. Celestine H. (Bekier) Yachim, 98, a former resident of Scott Street in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, fell asleep in the Lord the afternoon of Sunday, May 26th while in the care of Highland Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Exeter, following a recent illness surrounded by her loving family.

     Born on Thursday, September 10, 1925 in Wilkes-Barre, she was the last surviving of three daughters to the late Anthony and Anna (Ritsick) Bekier. 

     She was educated in the city schools, having attended the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre prior to her family's relocation to Baltimore, Maryland where she finished her education.

     Upon the family's return to the Wyoming Valley, Mrs. Yachim took employment with the Freider's Cigar Company in Parsons.  She also contributed to her parent’s business, Tony's Tavern as the pizza maker. Later in life she was employed by the Pennsylvania Millers Insurance Company of Wilkes-Barre as a claims clerk.

     Proud of her Eastern Rite Catholic heritage, Mrs. Yachim was previously a very active member of Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre.  She and her late husband could be seen working the annual parish bazaars; singing in the church choir and held membership in the Greek Catholic Union at the parish, among countless other activities she would assist with.

     In her spare time and enjoying the outdoors, she loved to golf.  When the weather was inclement or cold, she enjoyed bowling.  She is also known to be an excellent baker; her pineapple squares and nutroll are legendary and will be missed by family and friends.

     Above all else, Mrs. Yachim was a loving, devoted wife and mother to the three generations of children she leaves behind.

     She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mr. Joseph Yachim on February 18, 2016.  At the time of Mr. Yachim's passing, the couple shared sixty-seven years of married life together.  Also preceding her were sisters Mrs. Madeline Bielski and Mrs. Helen A. Falandys.

     Left to cherish the wonderful memories they keep of her are her daughters, Mrs. Chris Tomashunas and her husband Carl of Pittston Township and Joanne George of Forty-Fort.  Grandchildren including Jeff Tomashunas, Jason Tomashunas and his wife Joanie and Leanne Regan and her husband Mike.  Great-grandchildren; Lillie Lynady, Ellie Tomashunas, Eve and Emma Tomashunas, Haley and J.P. Regan and Brittany Regan; Several nieces, nephews, fellow parishioners and dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mrs. Yachim will be conducted on Thursday, May 30th.  The Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 695 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Michael Kerestes, pastor will serve as celebrant and homilist and Professor Mr. Raymond Mastroberte will serve as cantor. 

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow next to her husband in the parish cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas.

     Relatives and friends are cordially invited to join the family for a time of visitation and shared remembrances directly at church Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Divine Liturgy.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre is honored to care for our friend Mrs. Yachim and her family at this time.

     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory with her family are encouraged to do so by here on her memorial page.  Thank You.

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