Tana (Kowalchick) Vacendak

Gaetana “Tana” T. Vacendak, 62, of Clarks Summit, died Sunday at home, surrounded by her family after a long, courageous battle with cancer.  She is survived by her husband, Michael Vacendak.  The couple had been married for 37 years.

Born in Scranton, daughter of the late John and Grace DiSavino Kowalchick, she was a graduate of West Side High School, class of 1976 and Penn State University, class of 1980.  Tana was employed as a systems analyst with the state insurance fund.

Tana spent many years volunteering at local organizations with her friends, the 23Vs. She lived for Penn State football – never missing a game and always planning the food for the next tailgate.

Tana was an extraordinary woman with a strong work ethic. She always had a kind word for everyone. She was the type of person you never wanted to disappoint. Most of all, Tana was strong. She was a loving, devoted, and selfless wife, mother, sister, and friend. Our world will not be the same without her.

Also surviving are sons Brian, Clarks Summit, and Matthew and wife, Alyssa, Dalton; sister, Mary Ann Sadauskas, Dunmore; niece, Maria Dreisbach and husband, Chester; nephew, Edward Sadauskas and wife, Laura; as well as several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Ann Marie King; and a brother-in-law, Edward Sadauskas.

The family found peace with her daughter-in-law, Alyssa and her friend, Maureen Perrotti taking care of her during her last days at home with them.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Church of St. Benedict 1849 Newton Ransom Blvd, Clarks Summit. 

Family and friends may pay their respects at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. 

Those attending are asked to follow current safety guidelines with respect to social distancing and wearing a mask.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tana’s name to American Cancer Society PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Arrangements entrusted to Savino Traditional Funerals & Cremation Care, 157 S. Main Avenue in West Scranton, Carl J. Savino, Jr., Supervisor.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.WestScrantonFunerals.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tana (Kowalchick) Vacendak, please visit our floral store.