Mary Louise Kotula, 95, of Punxsutawney, went to be with our Lord on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.
She was born in Punxsutawney on January 31, 1925 the daughter of John L. and Anna Alberta (Biss) Smelko. She married the love of her life, Thomas Kotula September 21, 1954. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1970.
She was a graduate of the SSCD class of 1942. She was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church. First and foremost, she was a dedicated wife, mother, homemaker and a devout Catholic that prayed several times daily for her family and friends. She was famous for “lighting a candle” for anyone in need of special prayers.
She worked at JC Penney in her youth and volunteered for SSCD school while her children were in school. She will be remembered for her unwavering and unconditional love of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and sons-in-law, keeping an immaculate and organized house, impeccable style, quick humor, love of chocolate, following all politics, love of animals, forgiveness, acceptance and her support of St Jude’s Hospital.
She was a proud Pine Street resident all of her life. She always said “There is no where else like Pine Street.”
She is survived by two daughters: Beth Burdick and husband Dennis, Elise Harmon and husband Mark, grandchildren: Shawn Kotula and Maddie Cary, Thomas Kotula and fiance Jessica Reed, two great-grandsons Hampton Patrick Kotula and Lennon Reed and several cherished nieces.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: Regis Smelko, Ambrose Smelko, twins Cosmas and Damian Smelko and John Smelko.
A private funeral service will be held at the funeral home, celebrated by Monsignor Father Joseph Riccardo. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Cemetery.
Donations in her memory can be made to Just Us for the Animals, Punxsutawney, PA, or St Jude’s Children’s Research Center at 800-805-585.
Online condolences may be send by visiting www.shumakerfh.com.
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