June 28, 1946 to April 27, 2023

Doreen Phyllis Brzenski (Klens), 76, originally of Scranton, passed peacefully on Thursday in New Jersey, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law since 2018. Born in Taylor, June 28, 1946, she attended Taylor schools and graduated from Taylor High School in 1965. She was the daughter of the late Richard and Estelle Lewandowski Klens. On Sept. 13, 1969, she married the love of her life, Capt. Stanley Brzenski of the Taylor Police Department, to whom she was married for 19 years. Their time together was cut much too short when he passed suddenly in 1988. She went on to live a life of unrelenting strength and commitment to her two daughters, even after suffering from a permanently disabling stroke in 1990. Doreen was a wonderful daughter, sister, mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a devoted grandmother who loved attending the activities of her grandchildren whenever possible. She was an avid baseball fan and loved to watch her team, the Boston Red Sox, any chance she got, usually while enjoying a root beer float. One of her most cherished memories was sitting behind home plate at Fenway Park with the players' wives where she was just feet away from her favorite player, Nomar Garciaparra. The smile on her face that day was unforgettable and was equally as big when they won their first World Series after 86 years in 2004. She was committed to volunteering her time in her hometown of Taylor. She was involved in many school activities with her children over the years and served as PTA President as well as on the Riverside school board. She loved gardening and kept her yard filled with beautiful flowers. You would find her home decorated for every holiday. She loved all animals and never turned away the chance to help any stray that found its way to her. Prior to her disability, she worked at Family Grooming and Olexy Pharmacy, both in Taylor, where she made many lifelong friends. Doreen's family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Alison Lee, RN and Lydia Amaryl, RN, for their compassionate care and support. She is survived by her children, Barbara Fickel and husband Keith, of Camp Hill, and Susan Gibbons and husband Tom, Emerson, N.J., with whom she resided; grandchildren, Tommy, Riley and William Gibbons, and Braydon and Lilianna Caboot. Also surviving are her brothers, Frank Klens and wife, Maryanne; and Rick Klens; and sisters, Linda Sica; and Sharon Uher and husband, Vince; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Doreen was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; twin sister, Diane Klens Alberico; sister, Mary Ann Garbin; brother, Donn Klens; and her infant brother, David Klens. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at noon in St. Ann's Basilica. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Friends and family may call Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton.

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