Margaret M. Criscera, 95, of Carbondale, PA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Carbondale Nursing Home, where she resided since 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Patrick J. Criscera on August 11, 2016.

Born in Carbondale, PA, she was the last surviving child of the late Daniel and Olympia Rondeli Fofi.

Margaret loved to cook and bake and she enjoyed sharing her recipes with her grandchildren. They spent many hours in her kitchen making memories.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides on the 200 side at the Carbondale Nursing Home for all the comfort and care they provided over the last two years. They would also like to thank Sandy Connor who helped care for their mother through the years.

She is survived by her daughter: Margaret Olsewski and husband, Joe of Fell Township, PA, and their daughters: Nora Ruddy and husband, John of Springfield, PA, and Maura Olsewski and husband, Chris Brozena of Clarks Summit, PA; her son: Patrick Criscera and wife, Michelle of Browndale, PA, and their children: Christopher Criscera and wife, Brittany of New Jersey and Alicia Criscera of Lake Ariel, PA; her daughter-in-law: Roxanne Criscera of Greenfield Township, PA, and her daughters: Lisa Conarton and husband, James of New York and Rachelle Criscera of Greenfield Township, PA; her great-grandchildren, Noelle Ruddy, Tessa and Elijah Criscera, Abbigale, Natalia and William Clark and James Paul Conarton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her son: Paul Criscera; five brothers: Primo, David, Nello, Daniel, and Raymond Fofi; and five sisters: Italia Nardi, May Angeli, Elizabeth Panatoni, Jo Ann Vieira and Yolanda Fofi.

The funeral was held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. from Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 89 Farview Street, Carbondale, PA, with Rev. Seth Wasnock, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale, officiating. Interment, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Carbondale, PA.

Pallbearers: Christopher Criscera, James Conarton, Chris Brozena and John Ruddy.

Viewing hours were held Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. and Friday, October 27, 2023 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were sent in Margaret's name to the Gino Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 .