It is with deep and profound sadness that the family of Dorothy Emma (Briel) Evans, RN, formerly of West Scranton and Lutherwood Independent Living, announces the passing of their cherished mother, grandmother and great grandmother on Sunday, April 5, 2026. She passed away peacefully at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 101. She was married for 57 years to the late William H. Evans who died in 2005. She was steadfast in her devotion to her family and friends and was loved by all.
Born on February 5, 1925, in South Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Marie (Parli) Briel. She was a 1943 graduate of St. Mary of the Assumption High School. She entered the US Army’s Nurse Cadet program at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1946.
After raising her children, Dorothy returned to nursing and was employed at Mercy Hospital until her retirement. Afterwards, she and her husband were owners of Pocono Northeast Travelers and led seamless travel experiences to many destinations for local travelers. She was a volunteer at
Geisinger CMC for ten years and a proud 17-gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross. She was well-known for her baking, cooking and knitting skills.
Dorothy’s Catholic faith was central to her life and prominent in every choice she made. She is a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Scranton and a former member of St. John the Baptist Church. She tirelessly supported various parish activities and fundraising efforts while serving on many committees. She attended daily Mass and collectively served as a Eucharistic Minister for more than 35 years at St. John’s, St. Patrick’s and St. Ann’s Basilica. Throughout her life, her enduring devotion to St. Ann was evident during the weekly novena and annual Solemn Novena prayers.
Left to cherish her memory are six children including Jeanne (Arthur) Pencek, Bonita Springs, FL; Robert Evans, Boynton Beach, FL; Joseph (Margaret) Evans, Moscow; Rosanne Moran (John) Van Heertum, Latham, NY; Dorothy (William) Dzik, Taylor and Maribeth (Brian Sr.) Dolan, Scranton.
Dorothy was a proud and loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren including Maura (Chris) Kluttz, Leesburg, VA; Stephanie Pencek, Sterling, VA; Carrie Pencek, Seattle, WA; Ryan (Jessica) Evans, Standish, ME; Erik (Leilani) Evans and Robert (Kara) Evans, Nantucket, MA; Sara (Patrick) Burke, Dunmore; Eamon (Lindsey) Evans, Waverly Twp.; Conor Moran, Stamford, CT; Robert Moran, Bradenton, FL; Heather (Donald) Royce, Orlando, FL; Kayleigh (Mark) Trudnak, Harsens Island, MI; Brian Dolan Jr. and Colleen Dolan, Scranton and the late Timothy Dolan. Nine great grandchildren, William and Sarah Kluttz, Stella, Leah and Jettie Evans, Patrick and Evan Burke and Briel and Braxton Royce. Three step grandchildren, seven step great grandchildren and a step great-great grandson. Nieces, nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by brothers Joseph (Helen) and Harry (Margaret) Briel, sisters Elizabeth (George) Schumacher and Sister Marie Elise Briel SCC, son-in-law Paul J. Moran, daughter-in-law Saundra Evans, brother-in-law Robert J. Evans (Frances), sister-in-law Jane Evans and nephew George Schumacher.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the compassionate care provided to Dorothy.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, April 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann Street, Scranton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 10, at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson Street, Scranton. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Center, 2010 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18509, www.stjosephcenter.org
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