Betty Lou Cukanna

Betty Lou (Berkey) Cukanna, 92, of Punxsutawney, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 27, 2023, after a short illness while under the care of her loving family and 365 Hospice support.

Known affectionately as Grams by family and friends, Betty was born in Punxsutawney on December 19, 1930, to the late Joseph and Hazel (Barnett) Berkey. The fifth of ten children, Betty attended the Snyder Hill School, leaving in grade six to help her parents and to find employment.

Betty married the late Joseph Cukanna, Sr. on January 12, 1952, in Punxsutawney where they would go on to raise nine children on their small farm.  Betty enjoyed being a housewife and mother and all that went with it – taking care of the children, gardening, canning, baking, sewing, and raising animals.  In her later years, she enjoyed riding around the farm on a golf cart, sitting on her porch glider with her cat, Mikey, where she would read the local newspaper to keep up with current and local events and reminisce about days gone by with family and friends who would often drop by for a visit.  Everyone was always welcomed at her home.   

Survivors include her children Joseph, Jr. (Marilyn), Patty Vaughn, both of Punxsutawney, Paul-James (Chris) of Pittsburgh, George, Billy, Barbara (Tom) Fetterman all of Punxsutawney, Lynda Cukanna of Spencerville, Ohio, and special family friend Francis “Harry” Harrold. Grandchildren Cayla (Paul Stillman) Neal, Hannah (Frank) Cintineo, Ashley and Robby King, great grandchildren Natalie, Maxlyn, and Mycha, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty is also survived by her sisters Elsie Young, Jane (Paul) Shirey both of Punxsutawney, brother Paul (Ruth) Berkey of Wilton, Maine and sister-in-law Sue Morris of Troutville, PA.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was predeceased by sons Richard and Thomas, and son-in-law Randy Vaughn.  She was also predeceased by her sisters Imogene Helsel and Anna Whitman and brothers Clyde, Harold, Earl, and Howard Berkey; as well as her much loved and loyal canine friend, Max Berkey.

Grams leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity. While she will be greatly missed by family and friends, she will live on forever in our hearts and memories. For nothing loved is ever lost and Grams was loved so much.

Family and friends will be received from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., 115 East Union St., Punxsutawney.   A memorial service will follow with Pastors Randy and Susan Evans presiding.   The family will host a luncheon immediately after the service at The New Anchor Inn, 466 Harmony Road — friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Online tributes can be made at www.shumakerfh.com
 

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