Mary Alyce (Evancho) Semuta

Mary Alyce Semuta

1949 - 2026

Mary Alyce Semuta, 76, of Hazleton, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Delaware.

She was the wife of the late Joseph J. Semuta, who passed away on July 14, 2021.

Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late George and Gertrude (Gallagher) Evancho.

She was a member of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish.

Mary dedicated more than 25 years of her life to education as a math teacher with the Hazleton Area School District until her retirement. She was a graduate of Saint Gabriel High School, Misericordia University, and Wilkes University, where she earned her master’s degree. Her students and family alike knew her for her sharp mind, steady guidance, and quick wit.

Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her seven grandchildren. She loved spending time with them and cheering them on in every aspect of their lives — from sports fields and marching band performances to music, theatre, and fierce family shuffleboard tournaments. No matter the activity, she was always their loudest supporter and proudest fan. She was affectionately known as the family baseball team’s good luck charm and rarely missed a chance to watch a game, no matter the weather.

She found happiness in life’s simple comforts: sitting by the fireplace at her daughter’s home, listening to Neil Diamond, enjoying chocolate and sweets, and gathering around the table with the people she loved most. Mary was a wonderful cook who was especially famous for her homemade tuna noodle casserole, meat sauce, and grilled cheese.

She also had a deep love for animals and adored her “grand pets” — dogs, cats, and iguanas alike. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing the piano, and throughout her life she carried an appreciation for music, laughter, and togetherness.

Surviving are her daughters, Maryalyce Saenz and her husband, Demian, of Massachusetts, and Kristyn Anderson and her husband, William, of Delaware; a son, Joseph Jeffery Semuta and his wife, Susanne, of Nesquehoning; brothers George Evancho and Joseph Evancho and his wife, Elise, all of Virginia; grandchildren Ryan and Alex Saenz, J.J. Semuta, Ava, Evan, Elias, and Ethan Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, 122 South Wyoming St., Hazleton, PA 18201, with Rev. Kevin Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Saint Gabriel Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Carbon County Animal Shelter, 63 Broad St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Online condolences may be shared at Blazosky Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Alyce (Evancho) Semuta, please visit our floral store.