Mary Rae Cherkas, age 77, of Scott Township, formerly of Dickson City, died after a brief illness, on Saturday January 21st. Her devoted husband and best friend of 58 years is Morris Cherkas. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Milton and Mary Constance O’Donnell Rangnow. She was a 1963 graduate of South Catholic High School and, prior to her retirement, a salesclerk at Macy’s department store. Rae was well known for her excellent style. Her fun loving personality and Smile would always light up a room. She spent her life dedicated to her family. Her home was always open, and her table always filled with family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin and friend. She enjoyed monthly dinners with “the girls”. She told us every day that she loved us “50 million + 50 plus 5”. She is survived by her husband, Morris Cherkas; her daughter Colleen Deemer VanHeusen and husband Eric; three grandchildren Brandon and fiancé James Fox, Maura, and Alex and wife Briar; a great-grandchild Rowan Deemer; a sister, Joanne Charles (Nanny Ann) and fiancé James Ashby; sister-in-law Joann Cherkas; honorary sister Janice Cordier; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Cherkas, brother Milton Rangow Jr and his wife Mary; sister Patricia Mulgrew; brothers-in-law Linn Cherkas, David Cherkas and Thomas Charles Sr; nephew Patrick Charles; and nieces Hope and Lynnann Cherkas. Mass will be held on Tuesday January 31st at Immaculate Conception Church, Scranton at 11am. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10am until commencement of services.

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