Marion Beninato

Marian Shell Beninato, 85, of Dalton, died Wednesday at Geisinger Community Medical Center after being stricken ill at home the previous day. She was the widow of Raymond Beninato, who died Aug. 27, 1998. The couple had been married 26 years.Born Oct. 14, 1928, in Glenburn, daughter of the late Harry and Nellie Marie Wilmarth Shell, Marian was a graduate of Waverly High School. She had been the publisher and owner of the Abington Voice Weekly for years along with her husband, Ray. She previously was employed by the Abington Journal as an advertising representative. In later years she was the assistant book store manager at Keystone College.Marian was active in the community. She was an active and faithful member of the Church of the Epiphany, Glenburn, and a dedicated volunteer who helped in all church activities. Marion was active in several professional and community organizations, including the Pennsylvania State Police Retirees Auxiliary.A gracious lady who shared smiles with others she met, she was a happy, spirited and fun-loving person who will be remembered for her many roles as Mrs. Santa Claus. A true lady who was often seen with her gloves, she will be sadly missed.Surviving are a daughter, Jean Saladino and husband, Victor, Norristown; son-in-law, Jerry Hoffner, King of Prussia; two sisters, Harriet Locker, Glenburn; and Edith Bitchko, Wallsville; sister-in-law, Betty Shell, Glenburn; two granddaughters, Raina Saladino and Gina Saladino; nieces and nephews, including a niece, Linda Gable, and husband, Leonard; a nephew, Eugene Bitchko and wife, Juli; great-niece, Nicole Gable; great-nephew, James Kilonsky and wife, Lena; and a great-great-nephew, Dakota Kilonsky.She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Beninato; three brothers, Cecil, Frank and Ernest Shell; and a nephew, Steven Shell.The funeral will be Saturday with a celebration of life ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Epiphany, Glenburn, by the Rev. F. Graham Cliff, interim rector. Interment, Memorial Garden at the Church of the Epiphany. The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday, 10 a.m. until service time, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Epiphany, P.O. Box 189, Clarks Summit, PA 18411; or Dalton Community Library, 113 E. Main St., Dalton, PA 18414.Arrangements are being made by Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit.