Jan 16, 2023

Julia Marie Kertesz Kowcheck, 89, of Avella, went home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2023. Julia was born April 27, 1933, the daughter of the late Louis and Julia Demeter Kertesz.

A devout Catholic, Julia was a lifelong member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Avella, where she was a member of Christian Mothers. She raised her family to believe that God came first and family second. Julia also served on the American Legion, Bert C. Siders Post 643, Ladies Auxiliary. She loved the Avella community and volunteering her time, especially with the yearly Lenten fish fries.

Mrs. Kowcheck graduated Valedictorian at Avella School District in 1951.

Julia was a loving mother and grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest cooking and baking for family gatherings in her home. Julia also enjoyed listening to polkas, feeding her humming birds, gardening and watching the Steelers. Mrs. Kowcheck was an avid bowler and in 1961, she bowled a 298 game, which was the highest score ever rolled by a woman bowler in league play in Western Pa.

In addition to her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James Kowcheck; loving sister, Irene Bushko; brothers, John, Louis, Frank and Ernie Kertesz.

Surviving, to cherish her memory, are her daughters, Denise (Greg) Hughes of San Carlos, California; Debbie (Drew) Bentz of Avella; son, James (Rae Anne) Kowcheck of Vernon, Kentucky; nephew, Louis Kertesz of California, whom she raised and thought of as a son; and three grandsons, William Halcomb, Gabe and Andrew Kowcheck.

The family would like to extend their utmost appreciation to the entire staff at Country Meadows Memory Unit and Bridges Hospice.

To honor the deceased’s and her husband’s joint wishes, they will be buried at the same time in a private service.

A public viewing will not be held.

If so desired, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to St. Isidore the Farmer Parish (specify to be used in St. Michael Church) 103 Church Road, Imperial, PA 15126, or the Avella Fire Department at P.O. Box G, Avella, PA 15312.

All funeral arrangements are being handled by Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., Avella.

Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.