Anna Poltanis Ambrose

Anna Ambrose Poltanis, 85, of Waymart, PA, died on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale. She was the widow of John J. Poltanis who preceded her in death on October 31, 2012.

Daughter of the late Stephen and Anna Stasik Ambrose, Anna was born in Clinton Township where she attended Coggins One Room School House through the 8th grade. She was a graduate of Waymart High School, Class of 1947. Her family were members of Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Catholic Church, Simpson. Anna was employed at Katz Underwear Factory, 6th Street, Honesdale, where she worked in the office. On Saturday, October 20, 1951, she married John J. Poltanis in St. Mary’s RC Church, Waymart. The couple lived in Honesdale prior to moving to Waymart. They raised six children. Anna was a faithful member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Honesdale and later St. John the Evangelist Parish, Honesdale, when the two merged attending the 7:30 AM Mass in St. Mary Magdalen Church. She was a member of the parish’s Altar and Rosary Society. She was a 40-year member of Court St. Martin #418, Catholic Daughters of the Americas where she held several officer positions and attended many state conventions. Anna was a former District Officer of the Upper Lackawanna-Wayne District, Scranton Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; and a former secretary of the Scranton Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Anna was an excellent baker, especially cakes and pies. She also enjoyed sewing and her gardens of flowers, fruits and vegetables which she canned, froze and made jelly and jam. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother’s intercessional prayer for family, friends, and those in need. Her model of wife and mother were clearly evident. Anna’s faith was incorporated into her daily life. She loved cats and had many as pets throughout her life.

Surviving are five sons, John Poltanis and wife, Debbie, James Poltanis, Joseph Poltanis, Jerome Poltanis, all of Waymart; and Jeffrey Poltanis and wife, Althea, Honesdale; one daughter, Judith Poltanis, Waymart; one brother, Joseph Ambrose, Honesdale; nieces, nephews and cousins; grandson, Andrew Swingle and wife, Julia, Hawley; two great grandchildren, Ian Roberts, Colorado, and Hunter Swingle, Hawley. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve Ambrose and John “Jack” Ambrose; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Roberts.

A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at 10 AM in St. Mary Magdalen Church, Honesdale, with Rev. William J.P. Langan, officiating. Those attending the funeral should go directly to the church. Visitation hours will be from 3:30 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, with the rosary being recited at 3:30 PM. Interment will be in St. Mary Magdalen cemetery, Honesdale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honesdale Emergency Pantry, PO Box 14, Honesdale, PA 18431 for food donations; or to Court St. Martin #418, PO Box 335, Honesdale, PA 18431 for Mid-Wife Kits for Haiti. The family extends appreciation to the lab technicians, nurses and nurse’s aides for their kind and gentle care of Anna during her multiple hospital stays at Wayne Memorial hospital.