Dr. Erma Elizabeth Konitsky

KONITSKY – Dr. Erma Elizabeth (Yuhas), 77 of Northern Cambria, passed away at Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, on Jan. 17, 2008, after an extended illness. She was born in Cymbria, Pa., in 1930, one of nine children of Gabor and Elizabeth (Szendrey) Yuhas. Survived by her husband of 57 years, Harry Konitsky; a daughter, Erma Rose (Richard) Sheredy, Hastings R.D.; three grandchildren, Richard III, Patricia and Angela; sister, Margaret Wanat of New Jersey; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven brothers and sisters, Verna, Mary, Paul, Gabriel, Bertha, Olga and Joseph. Erma was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Additionally, she was an inspirational teacher and mentor for thousands of students who passed through her classroom. She also was known for her wit, compassion and dedication. Dr. Konitsky, referred to affectionately as “Doc,” taught English at Northern Cambria High School for 40 years and at Homer City High School for 15 years. She was the recipient of numerous awards for her teaching on the local, state and national levels, but none of these accolades were as important to her as was the success of her students. She was the adviser of the National Honor Society, and worked with organizations like the Yearbook “Emanon” and forensics. She helped publish three volumes of student works in the “Out of the Dark” series, a project that involved several generations of her students, and was working on Volume IV. “Doc” Konitsky was dedicated to learning as well as to teaching, attending institutions of higher learning like Indiana State Teachers College, Harvard University, Jesus College of Cambridge University, New York University, and Pecs University in Hungary. She earned a Ph.D. in English at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As recently as last year, she was taking on-line courses through the University of Phoenix. Member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and helped compile previous church directory. Member of Cambrian Hills Country Club and its women’s league. She was a diehard fan of Northern Cambria athletics, and could be seen and heard in stands home and away. She also was a huge fan of Penn State football and Steelers football. She enjoyed reading, and traveling with her husband and family. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Long-Contres Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria, where altar and rosary service will be held at 3 p.m., followed by vigil for the deceased. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Northern Cambria, with committal at North Barnesboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Erma Konitsky Scholarship Fund at County National Bank, P.O. Box 579, Northern Cambria, Pa. 15714. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.long-contresfuneralhomes.com.