Obituary of Antoinette Praschunus

Antoinette J. Praschunus, 83, of Big Flats, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on May 4, 1933, attended the local schools and graduated from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Nursing School in 1953. She married Stanley P. Praschunus in 1963 in Wilkes-Barre. He died on April 7, 2009. Antoinette worked as an Occupational Health Nurse and Registered Nurse for many local hospitals and facilities. She had a special fondness of her time as the original "Shock" Nurse for the Department of Corrections Camp Monterey. She was a natural for that job; raising three kids who all ended up in law enforcement...most likely because of the 18+ years of "Shock" they endured. She was always considerate and caring, but wouldn't hesitate to tell you how things really are. Now you're mad. You knew she was right, so you couldn't help but love her all the more. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Antoinette was dedicated to her family, career and Community. She is survived by her daughter, Annette Lauritsch of Rockaway Beach, NY; sons, Paul (Brenda) Praschunus of Horseheads, and Thomas (Cindy) Praschunus of Mattydale. Her grandchildren, Julia, T.J., Charlie Praschunus and Derek and Andrew Magnusen. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 26, 2016 from 10:00-12:00 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Corning. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Horseheads Community Animal Shelter, 150 Wygant Rd., Horseheads, NY 14845. The Family would like to thank all Medical Staff that helped aid in her care over the past few years. A special thank you to the Staff of St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira for making Antoinette's final days amongst us as comfortable as possible. They treated her like family.