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February 19, 2009

Catherine “Sandy” (Schwartz) Greco, 65, of Hazleton, entered into eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday evening. She was surrounded by her loving family at her son Vito’s home. She fought a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Cathy was born in Ashley, on June 12, 1943, a daughter of the late Charles and Catherine (Rowles) Schwartz.
Cathy graduated from West Hazleton High School in 1961. In her early years, she worked as a bus driver for the Hazleton Area School District.
Later, she worked at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in the dietary department, where patients referred to her as the “friendly night snack lady.”
Patients knew Cathy would let them cheat and give them an extra snack if they wanted one. For the last 20 years she was employed by the Hazleton Area School District as a teacher’s aide. She spent the last 16 years working with her friend – teacher Lea Wilkinson.
She was a devoted wife and mother who lived for her children and grandchildren.
She spent many hours cooking and baking.
Cathy loved having family gatherings. She spent countless hours teaching, playing and instilling Christian values in her children and grandchildren.
She was a devoted member, greeter and contributor to Word Family Church, Harwood, Pa. She was a spirit filled Christian who touched the lives of many people. She was blessed with a multitude of dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 27 years, Bennie A. Greco; a granddaughter, Briana Rose Greco; and brothers Thomas Schwartz Sr. and Frank T. Schwartz.
She is survived by her sons, Blaise A. and his wife, Roseann C. (Mehalick) Greco, and their son, Blaise III.; Vito C. and his wife, Deana (Flaim) Greco, and their three daughters, Jenna, Janell and Jillian; Dr. Julian A. and his wife, Grace (Cherasara) Greco, and their son, Bryce, and daughter, Paige; brothers Charles and his wife, Glenda Schwartz, Oakland, Calif.; David and his wife, Theresa Schwartz, Wilkes-Barre Township; John Bonick, Paul Bonick and Joseph Bonick, all of Wilkes-Barre; sisters Janice Kasper, Wilkes-Barre; and Beverly Winters, Ashley; an aunt, Hazel McGovern, Ashley; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Fierro Funeral Home, 26 W. 2nd St., Hazleton Pa. Friends may call today, from 6 to 9 p.m., (570) 454-1561.
A memorial service and celebration of Cathy’s life will be led by Pastor Hugh Lupien Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Word Family Church, 1590 Harwood Road, Harwood, Pa., (570) 454-4618.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Catherine.