Marylouise E. Stankavage

Marylouise E. “Marylou” Stankavage, 83 of Phineyville, Ringtown passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in her home with her husband by her side.

Born in Shenandoah on December 9, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Teofil L. “Skook” and Mary “Mamie” (Usalis) Galezniak. Marylou was known to many family and friends as “Tootsie”.

She was a graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

Tootsie was a talented seamstress having worked in the local garment industry until her retirement. She later worked for Divine Mercy Parish in Shenandoah having cleaned Divine Mercy Church, Saint Casimir Church and the parish rectory for many years. She took great pride in her work and it showed.

On August 11, 1962 in Annunciation BVM Church, Frackville with the Rev. S. J. Norbutas officiating, she married Joseph A. Stankavage who survives. They had many happy years, formed special memories and shared a strong loving union together.

Tootsie was creative and artistic; she made many crafts for the various seasons and holidays. She enjoyed gardening and maintaining her home and property. She took delight in the simple aspects of life, like sitting in her gazebo where she would say her prayers or relax to her favorite music. She also enjoyed the shows she saw at Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster with her husband and his family. Tootsie was truly a quiet, sincere, gentle and kind-hearted person. She will be sadly missed by all her loved ones.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her son, Joseph A. “Stank” “Jo Jo” Stankavage on May 15, 1993; two brothers, Joseph and Teofil “Chenney” Galezniak; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Albert Stankavage; Frances Green, Celine and Francis Trynoski, John Kaplafka and Sandra Galezniak.

Surviving in addition to her husband of almost sixty-three years, Joseph A. Stankavage are her brother, Louis Galezniak and his wife Sharon in Florida; sisters-in-law, Patricia Galezniak of Ringtown, Colleen Kaplafka of Frackville and Shirley Stankavage of Frackville; brother-in-law, Richard Greene in Arizona; nieces, Athena, Nicole, Kimberly, Angelica, Lindsey, Debra, Joelle, Kristina and Kimberly; nephews, Curt, Al and Brian; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins too numerous to mention; and many dear friends who were like family.

Joe extends a special thanks and sincere gratitude to all of the nurses and nursing aides who comforted and cared for Tootsie over the past few months.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 S. Market St., Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor and Christopher L. Kowalski, Funeral Director are in care of the arrangements. To offer condolences to Marylouise’s family, please sign the guestbook below.