Gwendoline Jill Kovich, 83, of St. Clair, PA, passed away on May 8th, 2020 with family by her side.
She was born to William and Maude Owers of Mildenhall, England. At the age of three, she went to live with a loving foster family Claude and Eliza Jane Pettitt, and their daughter Valerie.
Jill always had many stories to tell of how she and her family survived the events of World War II England. It made her the strong and resilient woman she became. She would be proud to know that she made her entrance to Heaven on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
She worked at the Mildenhall Air Force base in the PX store where she met her future husband. She was married to the late Nicholas Kovich in 1954 and immigrated to the United States that year.
Jill is survived by her loving daughter, Teresa, three grandchildren, Laura (Patrick), Jared and Morgan, two great-grandchildren, Faye and Maeve, her brother Ken, sister Valerie, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved spouse, parents, and great-grandson, Gideon.
Jill was a dedicated worker for many years at the Dixon Ticonderoga factory and developed several lifelong friendships through her time there.
Jill had a tender heart, especially towards animals which was evident by the many she cared for over the years, both indoor and out. She loved to spend time outside with her flowers and stray cats. She was also an avid knitter, cook, and shopper. She was always on the hunt for a good bargain.
She had a wonderful sense of humor, was quick to laughter and brought joy to those around her. Many of her favorite times involved being with her immediate and extended family, sharing food, laughter and hugs. She leaves behind countless beautiful memories with those who knew her.
Due to the current circumstances in the world no funeral will be held at this time. In lieu of sending flowers the family would request that a donation be made to the Hillside S.P.C.A., Pottsville, PA (www.hillsidespca.com) to continue to honor Jill’s love of animals.
Messages of Condolence
So sorry for your loss and hope you can find some comfort in knowing in the life and joy she had.
Terri — my condolences to you & your family. Mark
We are sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We all loved Jill. She and our mom were great friends and talked everyday. I’m sure right now they’re having some long conversations catching up. The Shay Family.
To Jill’s family and friends, I haven’t seen Jill in many years but I felt so sorry when I saw this obituary and picture in today’s paper! We had a mutual friend named Jeannette! RIP Jill!!
Terry, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of your parents at parties at our home and vacations in North Carolina. I’m sure they are all happy to be reunited again. The Tobin Family
Hi Terri, My families condolences to you & your family. Mark is going to send me over your phone number shortly. Please give ME a call when you have time. This is such a trying time to lose someone and not have the ability to mourn with other family members and friends. We will all miss Jill and her great smile. She always had this fantastic, “I ain’t taking NO $#1t” attitude. Our mothers were such strong ladies.
Hi Terri,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am awed by the story you and your daughter shared with us. I can tell she led an amazing life full of love and pride. With all that she gave back, the world is a better place because of her. You have certainly shown you have her sense of humor and caring heart. I remember working with you on ops and you would share a short story or moment about her. It was always enough to know how much you loved and cared for her.
Greg
Teresa,
We were sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She had been a good friend of the family. I always enjoyed shopping with her and my Dad. She would always get the best bargains! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Elaine Allen