Marietta Jane (Tomasura) Paternoster-Garr

Marietta Jane Paternoster-Garr, 77, of Hanover Township, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Pringle on September 25, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Agnes (Sileski) Tomasura. Marietta had a lifelong love of learning and a special affection for plants, which eventually led her to photography. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit took her to every continent except Antarctica, where she gathered plant specimens and captured unique images of the flowers and trees she loved. Her garden at home blossomed into a remarkable collection of hundreds of species, including more than 250 varieties of hostas. Marietta’s photography was published in numerous magazines, including a cover feature in Fine Gardening Magazine. She was a proud member of the Master Gardeners of Luzerne County and taught horticulture at Penn State and Luzerne County Community College. Whether through her garden, her teaching, or her camera lens, Marietta shared her passion with others and inspired many. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, James and Craig Paternoster, and her brother, Albert Tomasura. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Michael Garr; daughters, Michelle Paternoster and Christina Paternoster; and grandchildren, CaitlynNicole Paternoster-Bové, Alura Michelle Bové, Christian Alexander Bové, and Vinnee Paternoster. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you plant a tree in her memory, a lasting tribute to a woman who deeply loved plants. Private services have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 465 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Condolences may be sent at Kniffenfuneralhome.com