Mary Beth Elias, 63, of Hazleton, passed away Thursday at her home surrounded by her loving family and close friends after a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Rentko) Fatula.
She received her double Master’s degree from Kings and Capella University and was 3 credits away from getting her PHD. She taught at the Lackawanna Police Academy. She was a corporal at Kline and Ryan Townships and was a police officer at Rush Township. She worked alongside the drug taskforce, worked undercover, and was an integral part of the HERD drug operation. Her full-time occupation was mental health professional for RHA Health Services, Wilkes-Barre.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband in 2006 John Elias Sr.; and sister Cynthia Elias.
Surviving are her son John Elias Jr.; grandson Aiden Elias and his mother Brittnay Lopo; sister Dawn Crockford and husband Keith, Drums; godson and nephew Brandon Crockford; niece Jennifer Davis and husband Adam; great nephews Brooks and Brady Davis; many cousins; and her beloved dog Hemi.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 18th, at 10 A.M in Good Shepherd Church, Drums. Her final call will be held after the mass outside the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 17th, at the Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, from 6-9 P.M.