Marie M. Blackburn, 86, of Scott Township, passed Friday afternoon, at the Wilkes-Barre Allied Hospice Unit. Born in Olyphant, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Nemetz Bieszczad and stepfather John Bieszczad. Marie was a graduate of St. Patrick's High School, Olyphant and started her work life as a seamstress, a lunch lady,  evolving to a secretary for the FBI in Washington, DC and later as a supervisor for the food preparation division of the California Penal System. Marie was a member of St. John of Vianney Church, Montdale and the Red Hat Society. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Calderon, Scott Twp., and significant other, Mike Kelly, Scranton, her son, Erik Blackburn and wife Ann, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2 great grandchildren, a brother, Joseph Bieszczad and wife Helen, Justus. She was also predeceased by 1 son, John Blackburn and 1 brother, Ronald Bieszczad.

A private graveside service was held on Thursday, December 12 at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Scott Twp., officiated by the Rev. Fr. Andrew Amankwaa, Pastor of St. John Vianney Church, Montdale. Services were provided under the direction and care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, West Scranton.