Mary Ellen Lesko

Mary Ellen Lesko, 92, of Lausanne Township, Weatherly, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton Campus.

Born in Freeland, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, August 4, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John and Gazella (Znachko) Yuhas.

A proud graduate of Freeland High School, Mary Ellen pursued a career in nursing after earning her Practical Nursing Certification from the Carnegie Institute. She dedicated many years of service to the residents of the White Haven Center.

Mary Ellen embraced life with a quiet strength and a loving heart. She found joy in the simple pleasures: being out in her gardens, spending time outdoors, being with family, and always enjoying a good card or word game. An adventurer at heart, she loved traveling the country alongside her long-time companion, Jim, as he delivered motorhomes. Above all, Mary Ellen cherished her role as "Nana" and loved her family deeply, leaving them with legacy stories of warmth and devotion that her family will never forget. She was a member of Salem U.C.C. of Weatherly.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John P. Lesko Sr.; sons, John P. Lesko, Jr. and Barry P. Lesko; and her grandson, Jeffrey Lesko.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Rusden and her husband Bob; her sister, Marguerite Offidani; her companion of 30 years, Jim Light; grandchildren, Matthew Lesko, Jared Lesko, Zach Lesko, Jennifer Rusden, and Stephanie Rusden; great-grandchildren, Carter and Regan Lesko; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly, Pennsylvania.

Graveside services will be announced and scheduled for a later date at Union Cemetery in Weatherly, Pennsylvania.

Online condolences or a fond memory of Mary Ellen may be shared with the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.