Maureen Rose (Regan) DiStefano, 88, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, formerly of Clarks Summit, PA, died December 18 at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA following a brief illness.
Born February 23, 1932 in Mt. Vernon, NY, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Rose (Stauffer) Regan. She received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from The College of New Rochelle, N.Y. and a master’s degree in Education from Fordham University.
She had positions early in her career as a Mathematician and also as an educator, but her proudest vocation was her role as a wife and mother to her five children. Her children were her world. She emphasized the importance of education, faith, and family, and regularly advocated for these values in her children’s lives. She loved children, and opened her home to care for several foster children. She spent time volunteering at her children’s schools and for their activities. She was an amateur seamstress, often making clothes for her children, and enjoyed caring for her vegetable garden. In her later years, she passed her time reading, crafting, watching her soaps, and cheering for her favorite football team, the New York Giants.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony J. DiStefano; five children, Therese Agostinelli and husband, Jim, West Milford, NJ; Andrea Neal and husband, Dwayne, Frederick, MD; Christopher, Scranton, PA; Michael, Tampa, FL; Marianne Talarico, Verrieres le Buisson, France; two grandsons, Michael DiStefano, Matthew Agostinelli; two granddaughters, Kristen and Sera Agostinelli; a step-granddaughter, Shannon Neal; two brothers, William and Daniel Regan; and several nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of her life will be held at the family’s convenience at the Immaculate Conception Church, Scranton, PA with a private burial. There will be no public calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) or St. Joseph’s Center, Scranton, PA (https://stjosephscenter.org/).
Nancy P. Laffey
Mrs. DiStefano was always very kind to me when I worked at the University. The DiStefano family will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Stay safe.
Cynthia L. Pollick
I remember how much she cared about her children. Your family is in my prayers.
Ron and Ann Talarico
Maureen was a woman who was kind and loving to her family and her friends, we enjoyed the time we spent with her and her family. She had a strong faith and is now with the lord. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Mark Talarico
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the DiStefano family for their loss. Maureen had great love for her family, her friends, her community, and her faith. She lived her faith daily by her generous and charitable spirit and always offering help to those in need, such as providing comfort and support for my family and me during difficult times. We are forever grateful and are fortunate for having known her and for having shared time with her.
Maureen will be missed greatly. She and her family are in my prayers.
John & Jane Kalafut
We shall always cherish fondly the memories of times we spent together. Maureen’s political acumen, her deep faith and devotion to Tony, Therese, Michael, Andrea, Chris and Marianne, especially in times of adversity, were things to behold. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Russ and Ann Marie Neumann
Maureen will always be remembered in our prayers. We are lifelong friends -many memories – growing up together in our neighborhood; Maureen as our bridesmaid; keeping in touch these many years. Our true friend is missed. Rest in peace Maureen.