Shirley Fetchko

Shirley Fetchko, 78, a longtime resident of West Hazleton, passed away peacefully at home on May 3, with family by her side.

She was born on January 11, 1948, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of West Hazleton High School and McCann School of Business. She worked for many years in the hospitality industry. After spending most of her life in West Hazleton, she moved to Mountain Top to live with her son in her retirement, where she remained in the comfort of family.

Shirley looked at the world with two things in mind: what’s the humor in this situation, and what kind of craft could she make from whatever came her way?

Anyone who knew Shirley knew she could tell a story, and she usually started at the very beginning, no matter how far back she felt necessary. Every story she told made you smile even before she got to the point. That came from her natural gift for finding humor in any situation. She won people over almost instantly, often leaving people telling her family, “I love your mom,” within minutes of meeting her.

That same spirit showed in her love of crafting, which was her way of giving something of herself to others. Shirley rarely went shopping for herself. Shopping was always about finding materials she could turn into something special for someone else. If she didn’t make it, she wasn’t interested in giving it. And if you were a stranger who just met her, it was hard to leave after saying “nice to meet you” without her insisting on handing you something she had made, especially one of her signature bowl cozies.

As one can imagine, her family and friends were fortunate to be surrounded by her love and generosity.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Jack Fetchko, and her brother-in-law, John Delash, with whom she shared a close bond.

She is survived by her son, Chris Fetchko; her daughter, Lisa Leffler, and her husband, Joseph; her sisters, Joann Depretis and Marilyn Delash; and her beloved grandchildren, Dezaray (and her companion, Ryan), Madison (and her fiancé, Zachary), and Brianna. She is also survived by her dear friend and caregiver, Kristy Blahoski, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and shared in her love, laughter, and creativity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 11, at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd Church in Drums, PA. Friends and relatives may call from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the church prior to the Mass. A more informal celebration of Shirley’s life will be planned for later this summer.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton                                          

All cards, flowers, and expressions of sympathy may be sent to her daughter, Lisa Leffler, at 150 S. Old Turnpike Road, Drums, PA 18222.

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