SHAMOKIN - G. June Rocuskie, 88, of 901 N. Orange St., passed away at 11:50 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township. After several years of confining illness, June went to be with her spouse, departed family and friends and her Maker.
Born June 9, 1923, in Shamokin, she was a daughter of the late Lottie Mae (Reedinger) and Frank Mattern and a step-daughter of the late Edward Curley. She was a lifelong resident of Shamokin, residing at 815 E. Sunbury St., for 58 years before moving into her son Joseph's home five years ago.
She was a 1941 graduate of Shamokin High School.
In 1944, she was married to Joseph B. Rocuskie in St. Edward's Church by the Rev. Lavelle. Joe preceded her in death in 1990.
During World War II, June worked in Munitions Manufacturing in Middletown. Later, she worked part-time at Ben Hirsch Shoe Store in Shamokin until it closed. She then worked 22 years at Shamokin Area High School as a library aide and also as an aide for the special needs children until her retirement in 1988.
She was a member of Mother Cabrini Church. June was very active in Northumberland County Republican Party politics during the 1960s and '70s and once served as vice chair. She was very proud to remind people that she never missed an election since the time she was eligible, even during her later years in ill health.
June was co-founder of the post prom parties at Shamokin Area High School and an honorary lifetime member of the state and national PTA. June loved animals. Over the years, she had many pets, and even stray animals found comfort at her home.
During times of family hardship, "Aunt" June gave maternal care for all of her brothers' and sisters' children.
June was a great cook, enjoyed family picnics, cherry picking, Thursday night card club, watching the Perry Mason and Lawrence Welk shows, bowling and reading.
She is survived by her son, Joseph A. Rocuskie, of Shamokin; a niece, Kathleen (Rossnock) Yezerski and her husband, Thomas, of Whitehall; a nephew, Robert Traynor and his wife, Ginger, of California; a (foster) son, Michael Starner, of Shamokin; lifelong friends Dorothy (Sheary) and Stanley Johnson, of Lebanon; family friend, Kathy Gonsar, of Shamokin; three great-nieces and a great-nephew.
In addition to her parents and husband, June was preceded in death by an infant daughter, her sister, Josephine Edwards; four brothers, Edward Rossnock, Bernard Rossnock, Frank Mattern and Fraiser Mattern, and a nephew, James Rossnock.
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ROCUSKIE - G. June Rocuskie, 88, of 901 N. Orange St., Shamokin, formerly of 815 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin. A Catholic service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Leonard J. Lucas Funeral Home Ltd., 120 S. Market St., Shamokin, conducted by a friar from Mother Cabrini Church. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. Viewing will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library, 210 E. Independence St., Shamokin 17872.