Ann Marie “Priscilla” McAuliffe, 74, of West Scranton, died Saturday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart after an extremely courageous 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was the widow of the late Paul “Stump” McAuliffe. Born May 3, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Ann Flynn Ferrick and a proud, lifelong resident of West Side. A 1968 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School, she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Marywood University. Priscilla spent 35 highly dedicated years as a special education teacher at Frances Willard Elementary School in the Scranton School District. There, she positively impacted the lives of hundreds of children while forging deep and lasting friendships with many of her colleagues. Priscilla loved many things in life, among them a good party, shopping, Christmas, sweets, Revello’s pizza, beach vacations (although you’d always find her by the pool), a good book, a cold glass of Riesling, Penn State football and Bruce Springsteen. She had a one-of-a-kind laugh, a terrific sense of humor, an unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith, and a fierce devotion to her family and friends. She was also the world’s best grandma (aka “Gigi”) and delighted in spoiling her six grandchildren. Simply put, to know Priscilla was to love Priscilla. We’re devastated that she’s gone, but we’re certain her unique and wonderful spirit will live on in the countless people she touched throughout her life. Surviving are her three children, Josh McAuliffe, Scranton; Shannon Mielnik and husband Mark, Altoona; Molly McAuliffe and partner Kyle Popish, Scranton; six grandchildren, Mya, Addison, Matthew and Hope Mielnik, Altoona; and Kennedy and Quinn Popish, Scranton; a niece, Erin McAuliffe, and nephew, Sean McAuliffe, both of Texas; a half-sister, Lee Macciocco Schuster, Scranton; great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous cousins. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Wendell “Bud” and Helen McAuliffe, and brother- and sister-in-law, Wendell “Bud” and Patsy McAuliffe. A Mass of Christian Burial for family and friends will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson St., West Scranton, followed by interment at Cathedral Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 Saint Ann St., West Scranton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

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