Ann Button

Ann Marie Button, or "Cookie," as she was affectionately known by family and friends, returned to God Monday afternoon, after a courageous three year battle with cancer. Ann left this world surrounded by her loving family, which was always the most important thing to her.

Born August 7, 1935 in Wilkes-Barre she was a daughter of the late John and Mary Fennick Dzanko.

A 1953 graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township High School, Ann earned a degree in nursing from Misericordia University in 1960 and a master in counseling from the University of Scranton in 1970.

Ann was a nurse and manager of human resources for RCA Corporation in Mountain Top for several years before entering the field of education. She retired after thirty-two years as a guidance counselor for the students of Crestwood High School.

Ann was a devout Catholic, and a selfless mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, guidance counselor, nurse and friend, whose altruistic nature drew others to confide in her, sharing with her their life stories, hopes and dreams. She always offered a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen and a contagious smile to warm your heart and brighten your day.

During her years of service at Crestwood High School, Ann offered inspirational guidance and counsel to student and families alike. Her sunny disposition and ever optimistic outlook were only matched by her zest for life.

Ann had an adventurous spirit and always lived life to the fullest. Even after her diagnosis, her smile never faltered, and she held strong her position as the sturdy roots in her flourishing garden of family and friends. Her light shines on in the hearts and memories of those she has touched.

Her sister, Louise Dzanko preceded her in death.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of fifty-three years, Charles I. Button; children, Charles T. and his wife Karen of Springboro, Ohio; Donald and his wife Louise of Wilkes-Barre and Tamara Ann of Albany, California; grandchildren, Charles, Jennifer, Jessica and Ana Shinal; a great-grandson, Carson; aunt Ann Proctor; her faithful companion, Cosmo; and many friends.

Visitation will be held at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre on Friday from 4 to 8 PM with a Celebration of Ann’s Life at 7 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM in the Church of St. Jude, 422 South Mountain Boulevard in Mountain Top.

Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to: Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, 18702-7901; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106; or the Parish of St. Jude's, 422 South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top, 18707-1996

Permanent messages and memories can be shared with Ann’s family at www.celebrateherlife.com