Jean T. Dronick, 97, formerly of Dowdentown, Branch Township, passed away peacefully at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg on Sunday, October 17, 2021 in the company of her family.
She was the second oldest, and last surviving, of the ten children of Maurice and Mary (Powers) O’Brien, born in Pottsville on Saturday, September 27, 1924. Jean was a 1942 graduate of Pottsville High School, married Joseph Dronick on January 9, 1943 and was a homemaker until Joe’s passing in 1972. She then worked as a seamstress at Peek-a-Boo blouse factory in Schuylkill Haven, then Pine Shirt Company in Pottsville until its closing.
Jean was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Minersville, where she was a member of the Women’s Sodality. Until her health prevented it, she was a volunteer, preparing for and working at the annual church picnic. She was a former member of the St. Nicholas School PTA and served as its President, starting the Bingo games that supported the school for many years. Also active in her community, she was a former member of the Branch Township Booster Club and was an Auditor for the Township for twelve years.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, crochet, sewing, reading and bus trips with her sisters; but her greatest love was for her family. She hosted many, many holiday dinners and especially enjoyed watching the grandkids discover the clever ways she hid their cash gifts for Christmas Eve.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, her parents, siblings and their spouses: Mary & Abraham (Bud) Bowers; Bernice & Charles (Chuck) Fitzgerald; Frances and Andrew Cuccia; Patricia & Daniel Kelly; Maurice O’Brien; Michael & Nancy O’Brien; Cornelius (Neil) O’Brien; William O’Brien; Robert and Terry O’Brien; her Great Grandson, Luis E. Colon, Jr. and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her daughters, Melanie Dronick, Minersville and Deborah J. Dasch and her spouse Frederick (Rick) Dasch, Friedensburg; her grandchildren, James J. Mihalski, Maria K. Mihalski and her spouse, Wayne Ahner, Abigail K. Mills, Samantha J. Marx, Andrew J. Marx, Jr.; her great grandchildren, Joshua L. Ney, Marques D. Middleton, Sierra Mihalski, Cheyenne Mihalski, and Emily Dasch; great-great grandchildren, Elijah, Nylah, Colton, and a Baby Girl due in January. She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Ernestine, Doris and Diane O’Brien and numerous nieces and nephews.
Requiem Divine Liturgy was held October 22 in St. Nicholas Church, Minersville, with Fr. Mark Fesniak as Celebrant. Interment followed in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Branch Township. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Nicholas Memorial Fund or the charity of your choice.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...