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First Posted: 2/26/2012

Ruth Soley “Mema” Verespy, 85, fought the good fight, lived a good, faith-filled life and died February 21, 2012, at home, firm in her faith surrounded by her family.

She was a daughter of the late Michael and Emily Zofcin Soley of Larksville. She graduated as salutatorian of the Class of ’44 from Larksville High School. She was employed at Old Fashion Bottling Company for several years and then at various sewing factories in the Plains Township area. She and her late husband, District Justice Joseph P. Verespy, celebrated 50 years of marriage before his death in 1998. They were the parents of three children, Nancy Verespy, International Executive Director of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc. and the Veterans Coalition, Pittston, married to Peter J. Forbes; the Rev. Joseph D. Verespy, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Dupont, and George C. Verespy, beloved son who died in 1969. They also celebrated their joy with their one and only grandson, Jonathan R. Curley, his wife, Trish; and the lights of her life, great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Irelyn Curley of Jenkins Township, filled her heart with joy. In Australia, she is survived by Duncan and Kylie Forbes, and their children, Amanda, Dakota and Taylor; Moire and David Binch and their daughter, Fayth, and Katherine and Beth Forbes. Her brothers and sisters included, Rosalie Robinson, who helped “Mema” in her “Passing Over”; Dolores Adkins; Robert, Joseph, Thomas, Anne Marie Antol; Shirley Fisher and Barbara Drust. Her brother Michael Soley died in 2000.

She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. One of her numerous friends, Mary Drew, became like a “sister” to Ruth and helped her to remain at home. She was an active member of her community. Her gardens were her pride and joy. She continued to do all of her own gardening with the help of her neighbor, Tommy, until her passing. She was a 28-year Red Cross volunteer also having donated seven gallons of blood over the years. She also volunteered her time at the Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc. and The Veterans Coalition, always ready on short notice, fast and capable. She also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen. She enjoyed her participation in her neighborhood Breakfast Club. Family and friends always told her that she should own stock in Hallmark since she rarely missed anyone’s birthday and sent cards for all occasions. She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains Township, and progressed to Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Plains Township, after the closure. She was a 50-year member of the Plains American Legion Auxiliary, Post 558, member and volunteer with the Ladies of Charity; past officer of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and she held all of the various offices of the Sacred Heart, Plains Township, Altar and Rosary Society. She was also a faithful member of the Sacred Heart “Tabernacle” Choir. She gave a number of years to the Plains Township Senior Citizens Association serving as their treasurer. She was a proud Pierogi maker at Sacred Heart Church, Dupont. Bus trips were an important part of her life – her motto was “when the bus goes, I go.” Mema was greatly loved by all.

Funeral services was held Feb. 24 at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Plains Township. Funeral Mass, in celebration of the life of Ruth, was held at Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Plains Township, with the Rev. Joseph D. Verespy, her son, officiating. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains Township.

Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, 39 E. Jackson St., Wilkes-Barre, 18702. Online condolences may be made at www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.