May 26, 2022

Sophie Golitko, 97, departed her earthly home in Kokomo, Indiana, on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Although it was difficult for her to leave her home of 93 years in Vesta 6 / Denbo, in 2018, she agreed to move to Kokomo, Indiana, to live with her son and his wife. She learned to love living on the lake and watching all the geese with their babies, the squirrels and even occasional eagles. She used her binoculars daily. She also enjoyed swinging on the front porch, making numerous puzzles, and spending time talking to Luke, a Springer Spaniel that she claimed as her own.

She was a Christian, and recently she became anxious to go to heaven to live in her final home with Jesus.

Sophie was born in Brownsville, on October 13, 1924 to George Kovaly (born in Czechoslovakia) and Maria Bomesko Kovaly (born in Budapest, Hungary). At some point, her father dropped the “y” off his last name and was known as Koval, but one son kept Kovaly. Sophie had five brothers: George Koval, John Kovaly, Charles Koval, Frank Koval, Sr., Andy Koval and Steve Koval. Sophie’s parents and all her brothers are deceased. She leaves behind nephews and nieces.

Sophie graduated from Centerville High School in West Brownsville, in 1942. That same year, she married Michael Golitko, who died unexpectedly in 1965. They had four children, three of which survive. Michael G. (Judy) Golitko of Kokomo, Ind., Mary Ann (Richard) Lacey, of Brownsville, and Denise (Richard) Boone, of Phoenixville. A son, Dennis Andrew Golitko, preceded Sophie in death in 2020.

Sophie loved her grandchildren, and each was special to her: Donna (Billy) Mentis, Anne Golitko, Matthew (Raygan) Golitko, Zachary (Haylee) Johnson, Rachel Boone, Sarah Bear Boone, Ritchie (Danielle) Lacey, Randy (Mandy) Lacey, Shonna (Joey) Porzenich, Dennis Andrew Golitko, Jr., Maegen (Marcus) Davis, Debbra (Curtis) Brown, Connie Golitko; Brandi (Rikko) Montelongo, Myranda (Andrew) Winch and Shelby Golitko. Sophie also had 25 great-grandchildren.

During her lifetime, Sophie was active in the Ladies Auxiliary Denbo-Vesta #6 Volunteer Fire Department, where she had served as President among other positions. She continued to be a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Centerville Post #705. Prior to moving to Indiana, she enjoyed many years of fellowship in the congregation and women’s group at Taylor United Methodist Church in Brownsville. She loved cooking for dinners and other fund-raising events. She will be remembered for her excellent baking and cooking skills. Nothing made her happier than cooking or baking something from her recipe box, which she was able to do frequently at her son’s home. She recently helped prepare a wonderful Slovak Easter meal to share with family.

She was primarily a homemaker, but Sophie had worked as a seamstress at the Greenway shirt factory in Waynesburg for several years. Her last position for many years was at her niece’s (Mary Ann DeForty) beauty shop, The Mod Shop, in Brownsville, a job Sophie truly loved.

She was a loyal Pittsburg Steeler fan and belonged to a Steeler Club for many years with some of her nieces and friends. She traveled to many states to watch and meet many of the Steeler players. She was also an excellent polka dancer and for years traveled to many polka band events with another special group of friends.

A special thank you goes to Sophie’s special caregiver/friend, Debbie Baldwin, of Brownsville, whom Sophie loved and who made it possible for Sophie to stay in her Vesta #6 home as long as possible, prior to moving to Indiana in 2018. Also, thanks go to Century Villa Healthcare staff and Guardian Angels Hospice for the care given to Sophie during her final days.

Per Sophie’s expressed wishes, there will be no services. She will be cremated and her remains taken to Pennsylvania at a later time, all per her specific instructions.

Arrangements are being handled by Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, Kokomo, Indiana.