Elsa M. (Peruzzi) McDonnell
OBITUARY
Elsa M. (Peruzzi) McDonnell, a lifelong resident of West Scranton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore, just shy of her 90th birthday.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert Hicky McDonnell, who passed away on January 17, 2018. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage and a lifetime of cherished memories.
Born on Independence Day in 1936, Elsa was the daughter of the late Alex and Susan (Rosenella) Peruzzi. A proud graduate of West Scranton High School’s Class of 1954, she served as head majorette and remained actively involved with her classmates throughout her life. For decades, she helped organize class reunions and treasured the many friendships that grew from those efforts.
Elsa worked for more than 25 years at the Lackawanna County Vo-Tech, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Allied Services in Scranton and remained a devoted member of Saint Patrick’s Parish, where she was a longtime supporter of the parish food pantry.
To Elsa, family was everything. She embodied the warmth, dedication, and selflessness of a devoted wife and mother, always striving to give her three daughters a happy and memorable childhood. Her home was impeccably kept, her meals lovingly prepared, and every holiday and family gathering celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. She created countless treasured memories through beach vacations, festive traditions, and beautiful clothing, many of which she lovingly sewed by hand. Her doorand her heartwere always open to family, friends, and neighbors.
Elsa enjoyed dancing, especially jitterbugging with Hicky, shopping, and offering advice and encouragement to those she loved. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.
Together, Elsa and Hicky created a family legacy that now spans four generations.
She is survived by her loving family, including her daughters: Marie Kodish and husband Ed of Nicholson; Elizabeth Scanlon of Fleetville; and Christine DiBileo and husband Gary of Scranton. She was the proud grandmother of Alexandra Scanlon Kitei and husband Paul; Timothy Scanlon and Jess Ashton; Jacqueline Solfanelli and husband Matt; Austin Kodish; Isabella DiBileo; Gary DiBileo and Maria Coyne; Sophia DiBileo; and Robert DiBileo, and great-grandmother of Marty and Ben Kitei and Teddy and Emilia Solfanelli. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Peruzzi of Scranton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph Peruzzi and Frances Refice, and her son-in-law, Bernard Bernie Scanlon.
Elsa’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Elan Skilled Nursing Center for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, West Scranton, with interment to follow at Cathedral Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those attending are kindly asked to proceed directly to the church.
In honor of Elsa’s Independence Day birthday, family and friends are invited to wear red, white, and/or blue if they wish.
Memorial contributions may be made in Elsa’s memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507.
Arrangements are under the care of Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Condolences may be shared through the funeral home website.
Elsa M. (Peruzzi) McDonnell
May 27, 2026