First Posted: 1/27/2013
Anna Bobshe Harris, 97, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday morning, Jan. 20, 2013, at Riverstreet Manor, Wilkes-Barre.
Born Jan. 6, 1916 in Duryea, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Amelia Zalenski.
Anna formerly resided in Park Avenue Towers, Wilkes-Barre, for many years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking, playing the piano for her grandchildren and bus trips. Anna embraced her Polish heritage, but her greatest joy was being called Bobshe by her grandchildren. She took great pride in her family’s accomplishments. She would brag about her children and grandchildren continuously to anyone and everyone who would lend her an ear. She will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted Ma, Bobshe and friend.
Preceding her in death were her first husband, Charles VanAuken; second husband, Raymond Harris; her loving son, Gordon VanAuken; daughter-in-law, Joan VanAuken; brothers, Stanley Zalenski and Henry Zalenski; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Zalenski and Ruth Zalenski.
Anna is survived by her children, Judge Robert VanAuken, in Arkansas, Linda Barnes, California, and Ron Harris, California; daughters-in-law, Barbara Miller, in Arkansas, Tammy Harris, Plymouth; grandchildren, Gordon VanAuken, Nevada, Jackie Kaptain, Nevada, Robbie VanAuken, Arkansas, Puneeth and Annie Sherwin, Wisconsin, Amanda Harris, Plymouth, Kevin Harris, Plymouth; great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Anna’s family thanks Dr. John Carey as well as the staff at Riverstreet Manor for the compassionate care they bestowed upon her throughout the years.
A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are by the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth.
Please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com to submit online condolences to Anna’s family.