Barbara Ann Gilroy

Barbara Ann Gilroy, 85, South Scranton, died Friday October 20, 2023, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by family in presence and in spirit, in the care of Allied Services Hospice Center, Scranton.

Barbara was born October 6, 1938, in Scranton. She was the daughter of the late Michael and beloved Anna Sawko-Pastelok and was the middle child of their three children. After graduating from Scranton Technical High School in 1956 she pursued a career in retail sales and was employed by Woolworths and the John Wannamaker’s Globe Store in Scranton. She received many accolades and was recognized for her excellent sales acumen. Barbara also enjoyed working as a banquet server at St Mary’s Center, the Scranton Country Club, and as a waitress at both  Mr. Donuts and the Sheraton Hotel Restaurant in Scranton. 

Barbara loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed carefully planning the menu and preparing the entrees and desserts for family gatherings. Her food was delicious, her pies known as “the best,”  all prepared with love. No one left the table without a full belly. 

Barbara was always there to help others in need no matter who they were and was known for her kindness, never expecting anything in return. Her favorite saying was “Love one another as I love you.”

Barbara, a woman of Roman Catholic faith,  was a devoted and proud member of the Saint Ann Basilica Parish, West Scranton. In addition to her daily devotions,  she could often be found in prayer reciting the rosary. She always spent time encouraging others to seek the grace of God.

Barbara felt blessed in knowing that she had family and friends that learned from her and emulated her in their devotion to religion, family, and work.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Richard Gilroy, and her five children, sons Robert Graham (Nancy), Patrick Graham, and Edward Graham and daughters Debbie Letts (Tom)  and Kathleen Chapin (Danny); 9 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; stepchildren Kristen Walton (Ron), Jason Gilroy (Pam), and Nathan Gilroy (Amanda); 4 step grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; her brother, Paul Pastelok; niece; nephews; cousins; countless friends; and her canine fur baby Marley.

She was also preceded in death by her brother Joseph Pastelok, as well as her former husband, Robert Charles Graham,  the father of her five children.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9am in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton, PA 18510 with Barbara’s Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10am in Saint Ann’s Basilica 1250 St. Ann St., Scranton, PA 18504.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 PM and Saturday morning from 8:15am until time of service in the funeral home.

Entombment, Cathedral Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Barbara’s deep devotion to St. Ann’s, the family requests that Memorial Mass contributions in her memory be made to Saint Ann Basilica Parish, 1250 St Ann Street, Scranton PA 18504.