Kathleen J. Kozik

Kathleen J. Maleski Kozik, age 77, of Greene Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after a courageous 15-year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a form of Parkinson's Disease. Honoring her wishes, she spent her final 40 days in the comfort of her home, surrounded by love and supported by her devoted husband, a cherished friend, and the compassionate care of Hospice. Throughout this time, many extended family members gathered by her side, offering love, comfort, and joyful memories through stories and laughter.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Gentiva Hospice team-Jess, Carle, Heather, and Amanda-for their dedicated care. A special thank you is also given to Jamie, a beloved family friend, for her unwavering support at all hours.
Born in Erie on November 9, 1947, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Glenn W. and Jane Borek Maleski. She graduated from Academy High School and went on to enjoy a 38-year career with GTE and Verizon, where she served as a supervisor. Following her retirement, she pursued her love of working with children through work at Sonney's Photography supporting school photography.
Kathleen found great joy in homemaking alongside her husband and raising their two sons on the family farm. She was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, where she contributed her time to the PTA and served as treasurer of the athletic board. Kathleen was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter of her sons' athletic endeavors, a role she continued proudly with her grandchildren. Kathleen and Joe put exceptional effort into their love for all holidays through decorating their home and trips away to find special pieces often traveling to Frankenmuth, MI.
Kathleen's strength, warmth, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a self-less supporting wife, mother, grandmother and sister who always put others needs before her own.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Kozik Jr; her sons, Chris Kozik (Lori) and Pat Kozik (Julie), both of Summit Twp.; her grandchildren, Meghan, Ben, Tyler, and McKenna Kozik; her sisters, Glenda Kostek (Robert) of North East, Lynda Stritzinger (Jerry) Edinboro, Maria Kosiorek (David) of Slippery Rock, and Louisa Newcomer (Michael) of Winter Haven, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may call at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, Pa 16504 on Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm and are invited to a Funeral Mass on Friday at St. Boniface Catholic Church at 11 am. Burial will follow in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church at 9367 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, Pa 16509 or Kuhl Hose Co. at 3131 Rescue Lane., Erie, Pa 16510.
Please visit http://www.ScmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to leave a condolence on Kathleen's Tribute Page.