1926-2025
Annabelle Certo, age 98, of Punxsutawney decided she wanted to have her 99th Birthday Party this year in Heaven. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 9th just before supper time at Christ the King Manor in Dubois. Born on November 14, 1926, in Force, PA, she was the daughter of the late Francis Clement McCluskey and Maude Mae( Bauer) McCluskey.
Annabelle’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted caretaker, tending lovingly to relatives both young and old. She was often found in the kitchen cooking or in the basement canning, a paring knife in hand and bushels of tomatoes or peaches by her side. She took great pride in sharing her homemade canned goods with friends and family.
Visitors to her home on Perry Street were always welcomed with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, served with her delicious sauce. Annabelle loved a hot cup of tea with toast, a crisp glass of Coca-Cola, and just about any kind of chocolate. She also enjoyed shopping with her friend Jackie Behrendt, Annabelle always wore a beautiful outfit with a matching jewelry set.
She enjoyed visiting her neighbors and was always kind, generous, and ready to lend a helping hand. In her later years, Annabelle cherished the companionship of her fellow residents, joining in crafts, bingo, or helping others at mealtimes when they needed assistance. She especially enjoyed coloring and was a devoted fan of Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils. She appreciated the employees who took care of her at AM/PM and then Christ the King Manor.
Annabelle was a longtime member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic Church.
Annabelle is survived by her two sons, Ernest Certo Jr. (Barb) of Punxsutawney and Gary Certo (Karen) of Pittsburgh; Grandmother of Lisa Certo-Card (Greg), Chris Certo (Jessie), Carrie Certo (Craig), Melanie Gavin (Michael) and Diane Certo. Great Grandmother of Vinny Certo, Aubin Kotewicz, Alex Card, Dominic Certo, Nathan Card, Caydin Kotewicz, Keane Gavin and Donovan Gavin. She is survived by her sister Marjorie Polito of Warren, PA as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Annabelle was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Certo Sr, and siblings Paul, and Clement McCluskey.
Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church, celebrated by Monsignor Joseph Riccardo.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com
Those wising to make a memorial donation may do so to Special Olympics https://support.specialolympics.org/a/donate-in-your-state
The family would like to thank AM/PM Personal Care Home and Christ the King Manor and their employees for the very professional and loving services provided over many years.
