Elizabeth Lee Puhak

Elizabeth Lee Puhak, 84, formerly of Harrisburg, PA, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with her family by her side. Born on November 6, 1941, in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Irene (Zimmerman) Sando.

A 1959 graduate of Hazleton High School, Betty entered the workforce at just 18 years old, beginning a career with Greater Hazleton Savings & Loan. After years of hard work, she rose through the ranks to become one of the bank’s loan managers. When her husband, Gabe, accepted a job in Harrisburg, Betty stepped away from her career to focus on raising their children. Aside from a few years working part-time at the Bon-Ton in Colonial Park, she devoted herself to her family and home.

Betty and Gabe were longtime members of St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church in Harrisburg, where she was especially active. She volunteered with the church’s weekly Bingo, shared her talents in the kitchen whenever needed, and supported its pro-life efforts. She was also involved with the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation. Away from church, Betty was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and an exceptional cook. Her family tries to recreate some of her signature dishes—especially her meatballs and sauce and her haluski—but what they remember most was the care and effort she put into everything she did. As it turns out, making delicious food is no simple task.

Above all, family was everything to Betty. She made sure her family visited Hazleton for holidays and each summer, keeping them close to their extended family and one another. Generous with both her time and gifts, she was soft-spoken and easygoing, but once she made up her mind, there was little chance of changing it. She liked to joke that she always had “10 votes” when family decisions were on the table. And while she was relaxed about most things, she knew exactly what she liked when it came to her clothing and decorating.

A devoted wife and a wonderful mother, Betty was loving and selfless in all she did. Though she faced increasing health challenges in recent years, she found tremendous happiness in moving in with her grandson and his family in Camp Hill, where she was able to spend her final chapter surrounded by those she loved.

Surviving Betty is her son, Gabriel J. Puhak (wife, Kim) of Saginaw, TX; her grandchildren, Cody Puhak-Fickes (wife, Kelly) of Camp Hill, Lukas Puhak of Weatherford, TX, and Keara Yoder (husband, Leo) of Fairbanks, AK; great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Addison and Iliana; and a sister, Sandra Sabo (husband, John) of Freeland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Gabriel J. Puhak (d. 2018); her daughter, Kristen Lee Puhak; and siblings, Carol Mangiletto and Joseph Sando.

The first of two viewings will be held from 6-8PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland, with a Panachida Service starting at 7:30PM. The following morning, Friday, September 25, a second viewing will take place from 9AM until the Divine Liturgy begins at 10AM at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, Harrisburg. Burial will immediately follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Harrisburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Betty’s name to her church, St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, or to the PA Pro-Life Federation.