Mary V. (Pettinger) Sheridan

Mary V. (Pettinger) Sheridan, 85 of Wilkes-Barre passed into the arms of God on Monday, March 2, 2009 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Mrs. Sheridan was born in Wilkes-Barre on May 23, 1923 a daughter of the late Frank and Gertrude (Eyerman) Pettinger. She attended G.A.R. Memorial High School. During World War II, she worked at the Hazard Okinite plant making the wire needed by our troops on the front lines. Subsequently, she was employed for many years by Wilkes-Barre City School District. In her later years, she worked as a receptionist at Little Flower Manor and then as a Senior Aide for the Office of the Aging. Preceding her in death was her husband James who died in 1990. They were married for 48 years. An infant daughter, Theresa; brothers, Eugene and Frank; and sister, Catherine Wagner preceded her in death. Surviving are children, Catherine Piotroski, James Sheridan and Dr. Christine Sheridan all of Wilkes-Barre. Grandchildren include Marty Piotroski, Wilkes-Barre, G. Scott Piotroski and wife Lynn of Harrisburg, Erin Piotroski-Olshefski and husband Michael of Nanticoke. Great grandchildren are MacKenzie Lee, Merek Anthony, Myranda Lynn, and McKylee Mae all of Harrisburg. Mary was a devoted mother to all her children. She shared a special bond with her son, Jimmy who was born deaf and has cerebral palsy. Jimmy's birth made local news because he was the first person in Wyoming Valley to ever have a complete blood transfusion. She had a special affection for her grandchildren and great grandchildren-the last of whom was named after her-McKylee Mae. Mary was pure love-her capacity to love was endless. She loved and supported each of her children in their endeavors to achieve their higher purpose. Jimmy was her miracle child, achieving a level of function that far exceeded all expectations of him. Her love performed that miracle. She possessed endless patience, devotion, compassion and wisdom. She was a natural teacher and coach because she was such an effective role model. She will be sorely missed but forever in the hearts of her friends and family. Her funeral will be held from the Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 465 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre at 10:00 AM on Thursday, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Ignatius Church, Kingston. The Reverend John M. Lapera will officiate. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 5-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Ignatius Church, 339 North Maple Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704. Condolences may be sent to www.BestLifeTributes.com.