Laura Govola

Laura Govola, 84, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at her home in Glassport, following a brief illness. While she is at rest, she did not go gently into the night. She was a cancer survivor whose strength was truly amazing. Besides the love that she shared with all who knew her, it is her incredible strength for which she will be remembered. She is survived by her four loving children, Janet Wertz, Michelle Madison and her husband, Dennis, Ted Govola and Gary Govola; as well as her goddaughter, Gloria Jean Mikula. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Jessica, Dawn, Ted Jr., Orion, Sean, Christopher, Jennifer, Gary II, David and Victoria; and five great-grandchildren, Selena, Ethan, Joellica, Robin and Elianna. She also leaves three sisters, Louise Shifko, Theresa Montanari and her husband, Vern, and Gertrude Zalac and her husband, George. Finally, Laura is survived by many special friends whom she loved. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Chester, Joseph, John, Walter and Stanley; and three sisters, Blanche, Irene and Stella. A lifelong resident of Glassport, Laura was born May 23, 1930, to John and Helen (Kuczynksa) Krol. One of 12 children, Laura grew up during the Great Depression and learned quickly vital lessons centered on avoiding unnecessary waste, the value of saving and getting the most for one's money and, most significantly, the importance of putting one's family above all else. As a girl, whether she was helping to raise chickens, grow and can vegetables or working to bring in extra money, Laura did all she could to help her family. Those lessons were a theme interweaved throughout her life and the foundation for the principles she instilled in her children, grandchildren and countless other family members and friends. Having graduated Holy Cross School, Laura was the first person in her family to graduate high school. After high school she was a dean's list student while earning an associate's degree from Pennsylvania State University. Laura had an active and varied professional life, having worked as a medical clerk, financial bookkeeper and was the owner/operator of Glassport Enterprises. However, her real passion was children and helping to teach them the life lessons necessary to excel. Laura was also a remarkable baker with recipes that will be treasured by every successive generation. A viewing will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at WOJCIECHOWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, PA 15045. Funeral Mass to be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at Queen of the Rosary Parish, 530 Michigan Ave., Glassport, PA 15045. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her memory can be made to the Queen of the Rosary Parish or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.