Marie Bernadette Pagana Zurinsky

Marie Bernadette Pagana Zurinsky was called into the loving arms of Jesus on July 27, 2025.

Marie was born to Dr. Charles C. Pagana and Mary Eileen Sullivan Pagana on July 20, 1939 in Williamsport PA.

She married the love of her life John R. Zurinsky on Sept. 24, 1960, and they celebrated 48 years together until his passing in 2009.

She is survived by her children, Maria V. Zurinsky of Houston TX, John C. Zurinsky of Williamsport, and Michael J. Zurinsky of Williamsport; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ellen R. (William) Miller, Dr. Charles C. (Ami) Pagana, Victoria (Dr. John) Tartera, and Dr. John (Barbara) Pagana, Teresa (Joseph) Moore, Dr. Tim (Dr. Kathy) Pagana; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, John R. Zurinsky, and a sister and brother-in-law Kathleen M. and Dick Wertz.

She attended St. Joseph’s school in Williamsport, graduating in 1957. She later graduated from Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing in 1960, then Bloomsburg College/University in 1976 with a BS ED; then Penn State University in 1993 with a MS ED; and finally, from St. Francis University with a MS HSA. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International.

She worked as a Registered Nurse for fifty years at Divine Providence Hospital and Williamsport Hospital as a staff nurse, prenatal instructor manager, and Director of Nursing. She often said “she loved every day she worked as a nurse.” She also worked part-time as an allied health instructor at Penn Tech (Penn College) for five years and volunteered at UPMC.

She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church where she was the Lector and Eucharistic Minister, as well as a member of the Folk group. She was a member of the Divine Providence Auxiliary (City Auxiliary) for many years. She served as president of the auxiliary for seven years. She was also president of Providence House Board, and a member of many bridge groups.

During her lifetime she was a partner with her husband in his many business ventures; Mister Softee Truck/Johnny Z. Restaurants, PTZ Apartment Complexes, and Kline & Co.

Marie and her husband traveled extensively throughout America, and many foreign countries.

After her retirement, she served as a community member on several UPMC hospital committees and SHS Foundation. She was also a volunteer at the city hospitals.

She loved playing tennis, bridge, reading, and exercising and going to the casinos. She especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her siblings, their families and many friends. She felt she had a very Blessed Life.

The family will receive friends and family at the Crouse Funeral Home, 133 E. Third St., Williamsport PA 17701 on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 100 Walnut St., Montoursville PA 17754 with Rev. Michael McCormick officiating. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Montoursville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marie’s name may be made to the Divine Providence Hospital Auxiliary, C/O Susquehanna Foundation, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.

Crouse Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been entrusted with handling final arrangements. To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.