Nora "Cookie" Avellino, 73, of 900 Pine Street, passed away suddenly on November 11, 2023, at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, from a lengthy battle with heart disease. She was born on September 7, 1950, in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late, John Searfoss, Sr. and Louise (Ratajcak) Searfoss, who survives (Weatherly). On June 14, 1975, she married Peter Avellino, Jr. at St. Mary's Church in Kulpmont by Monsignor Paul Adair. She was raised in Jim Thorpe and graduated from Jim Thorpe High School in 1968. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg State College in 1972 and a Master's Degree in English in 1977 from Bloomsburg State College. She began her career as an English teacher at Athens Area High School for the 1972–73 school year until obtaining a teaching position at Mount Carmel Junior/Senior High School, where she taught English until her retirement in 2007.

"Cookie" was a long-time parishioner at Holy Angels Church (formerly St. Mary's) in Kulpmont. Over the years, she was active in many church activities and organizations such as, Holy Angels Ladies Organization (HALO), choir, bingo staff, Bible study group, prayer group, and proudly served as an Extraordinary Minister. She devoted countless hours over the years helping to prepare for the annual Holy Angels picnic. She faithfully attended first Friday mass and adoration at St. Pauline's in Kulpmont. She was a proud member and former officer of the Catholic Daughters of America (CDA), Our Lady of Victory Court, Mount Carmel, PA.

Throughout her years of teaching, she was a member of the Pennsylvania State Educators Association (PSEA) and after her retirement, the Pennsylvania State Association of Retirees.

"Cookie" is survived by husband, Peter Avellino Jr.; son, Peter Avellino III, and his wife, Jen of Gilbertsville; daughter, Victoria Avellino Strunk, and her husband, Christopher of Stroudsburg; three grandsons, Bennett (Peter) and Grayson and Cole (Victoria). Also surviving, is her brother, John Searfoss II, and his wife, Valerie.

"Cookie" was affectionately known by her grandchildren as "Nana".  Undoubtedly, her three boys were the loves of her life. Cookie's love for her family and her faith in God were unsurpassed.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating in the Church of the Holy Angels, Kulpmont. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kulpmont. Viewing will be held on Friday evening from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service at 8 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. with transferal prayers at 10 a.m. in the C. J. Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont, PA 17834.