Rosemary Sigmond Obituary

Rosemary A. Sigmond of Kelly Street, Luzerne, passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

A lifelong resident of Luzerne, Rosemary was born on April 14, 1936, and was a graduate of Luzerne High School, Class of 1953, and a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Business College.

She was the daughter of the late Joshua and Mary Sigismondi Sigmond.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Geraldine Adams; Dorothy Skibitsky; and Gloria Chernetsky.

She is survived by nieces and nephews, Joseph Skibitsky (Dorothy), Sweet Valley; Gregory Skibitsky, Crossville, Tenn.; Jocelyn Hook (Jerry); Lisa Chernetsky; Judy Skibitsky Tanner (Mike), Chesapeake, Va.; and George Adams (Beth), Breinigsville. She also leaves behind several great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Although she never married and had no children of her own, she treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her children, always there to lend advice or a helping hand. She was generous above and beyond.

Rosemary was employed by BG Coon Construction Company since she was 17 years old as a bookkeeper then worked her way up the corporate ladder becoming controller. When the Coon family decided to sell the business, she became vice president and co-owner of Coon Industries as well as co-owner of Pike's Creek Sand and Stone. After retiring in 2003, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her long-time friends, Joan Krause and the late Rosemary Gaughan, traveling to Europe and throughout the United States.

Rosemary was very active in many philanthropic and community organizations. To name a few, she was long-time member of the Luzerne Borough Council and the first woman to be elected as council president. She was also the first woman nominated to the board of directors for Valley Automobile Club. She was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society Sacred Heart Church/Holy Family Church, the West Side Business and Professional Women's Club and the Wyoming Management Club.

In 1994, Rosemary was the recipient of the Athena Leadership Award and in 2015 was awarded the Catherine McAuley Medal by Misericordia University, and funds a scholarship in her name at Misericordia for high achieving young women. In 1996, Rosemary was Woman of the Year of the West Side Business and Professional Women's Club and Woman of the Year of the Wyoming Valley Woman's Club. In 2000, Rosemary was Woman of the Year Sisters of Mercy and was recipient of the Trustees Award of Misericordia University. Also in 2000, she was a team Bill Bradley Delegate to the Pennsylvania National Democratic Convention. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Misericordia University and the President's Council of King's College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to a charity of your choice.

Friends and family may pay their respects from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday in Holy Family Parish Church, Bennett Street, Luzerne. Regardless of vaccination status, you are asked to wear a mask. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Mt Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.