Rita Kozar

Rita Olszewski Kozar age 94, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12th, 2025 at Manchester Presbyterian Commons. She was born in Erie on July 10th, 1931, the daughter of the late Frank and Lottie Czulewicz Olszewski.

Rita graduated from St. Casimir Grade School, East High School, and the Practical Nursing Program of the School District of Erie, where she served as class president. During her time in school, Rita was the recipient of the Hilda E. Benson award for outstanding achievement in the Practical Nursing Program.

She was employed at Hamot Medical Center as an LPN. She would also work several years at the Boston Store and Bliley Electric, where she would meet the love of her life, George Kozar.

Rita was a member of St. Julia Church, the Asbury Senior Group, the Siebenburger Club, and the Widow Group.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband, George L. Kozar; her brothers, Norbert and Cyril Olszewski; her sisters, Karen Rohaly and Frances Przybyszewski; and her son-in-law, Mac McElroy. Rita was preceded in death by several furry friends, Charlie, Snoopy, and Kitty.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Kozar Simonian (Dr. Michael Simonian), and Carla McElroy. She is further survived by eight grandchildren, Michael Curtis; Tiffany Jones; Michael Simonian (Amy); Nicholas Simonian (Nicole); Alexander Bohen (Cassandra Basler); Victoria Traut (Jason); Samuel G. Bohen (Dr. Madeleine Schlehr); and Grace Yep (Dr. Michael Yep).

Rita had the rare pleasure of becoming a great-grandmother and did so eight times, William Jones IV and Kaylee Jones; Noah, Isaac, and Lydia Simonian; Adi Simonian; Mathilda Traut; and Francesca Yep. Rita had many nieces and nephews as well.

Rita’s family would like to thank the staff at Manchester Commons for their love and care.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc, West Ridge on December 18th, from 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm and are invited to a funeral service at St. Julia Church, 638 Roslyn Ave, Erie PA 16506 on December 19th at 11:00 am.

Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Rita’s name to Orphan Angels 5439 W. Lake Rd. Erie, PA 16505 or the Hamot Health Foundation care of The George L. Kozar scholarship 100 State St. Suite 510, Erie, PA 16507.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com