Koval, Marie Jane (nee Arcuri)

What a glorious time in the Christian calendar to meet Jesus Christ, face to face, at the end of this earthly journey. Marie Koval, 97, resident of Mahanoy City, PA, died peacefully early Saturday morning, March 30, 2019, at her home, surrounded by her family and God's angels.

"Hear the bells ringing, they're singing that you can be born again.  They are singing that Christ is risen. The angel up on the tombstone said he is risen, just as he said."

The era of Marie's birth, The Roaring 20's, embodied the essence of her existence: a woman who refused to bow down to the difficulties of life without giving it a good old-fashioned Italian fight. Marie was born in Frackville, PA on September 14, 1921 and was the cherished daughter of the late Sarah (Tamburelli) and Joseph Arcuri.  She grew up in Frackville, PA, and graduated from Frackville High School in 1939. Marie married George Koval in 1942. They lived in Mahanoy City, PA, where Marie had resided for the past 76 years. Marie enjoyed keeping busy and worked many jobs, including Swades Ice Cream Parlor in Frackville, and at her husband George's Oldsmobile dealership on West Center Street, where she proudly served as Notary Public and secretary. She also worked in the garment industry at Russell Williams Dress Factory and eventually retired from her position as an assistant manager at Dollar General on West Center Street at age 75.

Marie Koval's life was a song she sang beautifully. Her love for community, food and faith were paramount. She was a member of the former St. Canicus Parish and St. Theresa of Calcutta Church. While Marie was of Italian heritage, she is best known for cooking her late husband's favorite Slovak cuisine, including halupkis, bleenies, pierogies and haluski. As a consummate cook and baker, she contributed to countless church bake sales, with her shoe fly pies and coconut cakes in demand. There was always a hot meal on the table even after a long days work and her kitchen on Sunday mornings was a gathering place for breakfast with family after church.

Marie was an avid sports fan and followed her granddaughters' sports activities and could often be heard cheering from the stands. Her deep love of music placed her at her grandchildren's hand bell choir concerts, which she never failed to attend. Marie had a beautiful voice and loved to sing at church and play the piano. She participated in church celebrations, where she loved to dance and sing.

Marie took great pride in tending to her home and often could be seen by passerbyers sweeping the porch or shoveling snow from the sidewalk. Her love for all things flowers was apparent in her carefully tended African Violets, which always responded to her gentle care. People loved to pass by her home in spring and summer, as it was adorned with flowers and plants. Marie's love for her country was evident, as she proudly displayed the American flag. Marie enjoyed puzzles, word jumbles, and assisted with her grandchildren's newspaper delivery jobs.

Marie was an active member of the community and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America 1085 Court Kateri, and once served as secretary; St Canicus Church's Women's Guild; Woman's Club of Mahanoy City; and St. Theresa of Calcutta Sodality. Marie had fond memories of working with a great group of women as St. Canicus' cleaning crew. She was once described as the "world's greatest waitress" while working at St. Mary's Center. Her most recent honor was being named Mother of the Year at the Elks Annual Mother's Day banquet.

Her fulfillment in life was undoubtedly her family.  Marie went by many names:  Mom, Nan, GiGi, Aunt, friend, 'Icon on the corner', 'Matriarch of the town'.  And the list could go on indefinitely.  The traditions she has passed down to every generation, will forever be woven into our hearts.

Marie will be sadly missed by her three children, son George, of Hollywood, FL; daughter Carol Blue (Robert) of Barnesville; and daughter Patricia Lausterer of Mahanoy City; six grandchildren, Chris Koval (Naysha), Tony Koval (Kimberly), Michael Lausterer (Stephen), Dana Lorah (Brad), Allyson Schaller (Marc), and Leslie Shultz (Matt); ten adoring great-grandchildren, Daniella Koval, Francesca Koval, Rachel Lorah, Grace Lorah, Ella Lorah, Ben Schaller, Kyle Schaller, Chase Schaller, Sarah Shultz and Matthew Shultz; two cousins; and several nieces and nephews.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George, in 1973; and four brothers, Lewis, Joseph, Anthony, and Michael; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Saint Theresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.

Interment will be in St. Canicus Cemetery in Mahanoy City, PA.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish and Mahanoy City Public Library.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www. truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book, send sympathy cards, or view Video Tribute.