Zena Homko Kapelan

Monday, 18May1931 – Thursday, 13Oct2022

Zena Homko Kapelan, 91 years young, passed away in her home with her children by her side. She lived in the West Mountain section of Scranton and was the widow of John Kapelan, Sr., whom she was married to for 57 years.  

Born in 1931 in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Vladimir and Mary Skasko Homko.  She was a graduate of West Scranton High School class of 1949.  Zena was a member of the Open Door Church, Scranton.  She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend who was always there with love and support.  She was a sweet person, had many friends, and was a well-loved member of her neighborhood.  Her love of and commitment to the Lord influenced many lives that have been forever touched by her faith in God.  

Prior to staying at home to raise her five children, Zena worked for the Jewel Tea Company. Later, she enjoyed studying the Bible with her friends, and keeping in touch with past co-workers from her 15-years of employment at Wal-Mart. Spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow brought much joy to her heart.  She will be missed, and they were blessed to have made happy memories and enjoyed her kindness for many years, and she will live in their hearts forever.  

Surviving are her children Janet Silverberg and husband Alan; Barbara Kapelan; John Kapelan, Jr.; and Christina Jones and husband Darin.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren Brittany, Ian, Maria, Laura, Henry, Nora, and Lyla; and seven great-grandchildren Autumn, Eli, Cotton,Sophia, Kayden, Braxton, and Levi; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Zena was preceded in death by her son, David Kapelan, who passed away in 2019; sisters Marie Pelick, Vera Fairchok, Olga Bohovka; and brother Nikolai. 

Also dear to Zena were sisters-in-law Sandy Kapelan, Marlene Kapelan, and the late Olga Sigler.

A private memorial service will be conducted at the convenience of the family with burial at the Milwaukee Cemetery, Ransom Township, PA. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton. 

To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

14 Comments

  1. Joann Stanek

    To the Kapelan family – I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. So many memories of my childhood have your mom ( and Baba ) in it. Prayers for her and for all of you.

  2. Linda Marichak

    I am very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was was a friend of my Mother’s. She was a lovely person. We used to see her at Walmart often in the garden center. I enjoyed speaking with her. Sadly the last time we spoke was after my Mom passed. She reached out to me and we talked for a long time. I had her on my mind recently I remember her fondly. God bless her, and your family.

  3. JoAnn Schick

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Zena was a very special lady. She was a blessing to me thru the years and to all who knew her. Prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.

    JoAnn & Arnold Schick

  4. Bob & Faith Sigler

    Bob & I were so very sorry to hear about Aunt Zena. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Bob was recalling all the fun times at the cottage and I was truly fond of your Mom & Dad. We are so sorry to hear about her passing.

  5. Donna Morgan

    Christine and family, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother! She was a wonderful Christian woman. Her and I would talk about Jesus. I know she is in heaven with our Lord! God bless all of you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

  6. Paulette Pritchyk

    My sister Diane Dalbo and I Paulette Pritchyk send our condolences to Zenas family. She will be missed. We are related to Michael and Helen Homko.(grandaughters) Rest in Peace Zena

  7. Anne Spinelli

    Barbara and family,
    Just read about your Mom’s passing.
    May God rest her soul.
    I will never forget how gracious and kind she was to me as a young teacher at Willard school. She was just special.
    .
    We all loved the Kapelan children!
    My sincere condolences,
    Anne Spinelli

  8. Cheryl Straka

    Dear Kapelan Family,
    Everyone who knew your mother/grandmother/great grandmother loved her. She was kind, helpful and a dear Christian lady. I met her at Northeastern Christian when our children, Christine and Danny were in the same classes, took guitar lessons together and generally had too much fun together. Most recently, she attended various activities with Carol S. at Hope Church including women’s ministry events and retreats, where I enjoyed her company once again. She will be missed but rest assured, she is worshipping at the feet of Jesus and loving it.

  9. Kathy Stelmak Selemba

    Please accept my sincere sympathy. Seeing your Mom’s picture in the paper yesterday brought to mind so many great memories from my childhood. As your friend, Janet, I spent a lot of time not only in your home, but also tagging along with your family to various places. Although it’s been a long time, I remember your Mom being very sweet and always so kind and welcoming to me. You are all so lucky to have had her in your lives for so long.

    • Janet

      Thank you, Kathy, my dear friend. I too, have many fond memories of our childhood, such as riding our bikes in the alley, going up the cottage and many other wonderful adventures.
      It was so nice to hear from you ❤️

  10. Marie Homko Sekelsky

    I am sorry about the loss of your mother, she was my father’s cousin George Homko. She was a very nice lady. May She Rest In Peace

  11. Matt Kornutiak

    Janet and Family,

    My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort.

  12. Karen Kranick DiPietro

    John and family,I’m so sorry on the loss of your mother.

  13. David Sica

    So sorry for your loss. Knew Zena from her days back at Faith Community Church and currently at Open Door Church. Our condolences. Dave & Debbie Sica.

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