Mary Kovach

Mary Kovach, age 98 of Wayne, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, November 3, 2025.

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Born in 1927 to Charles and Mary Kovach, Mary was the second of three children. Tragedy struck when she was just five years old as her mother passed away unexpectedly in 1933. Just two years later, faced with the difficult circumstance of raising three children as a single father, Mary’s dad made the decision to place her and her siblings into an orphanage at the Sisters of St Basil orphanage in Elmhurst PA. It was there that Mary grew up, graduated from high school, and developed many of the skills and values that defined her life: her unwavering faith, her remarkable organizational abilities, and her talent for crocheting.

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After graduation, Mary immediately went to work to support herself and her father. She began her career as an administrator at Sika Construction, the company that famously built many sections of the Garden State Parkway. Her organizational skills were so exceptional that salesmen from around the country would reach out to her for assistance. The construction workers adored her for her kindness and compassion, always looking out for her. They even went so far as to put chains on her tires when it snowed to help keep her safe. After her tenure at Sika Construction, Mary finished her career at General Foods before retiring after a long and successful career.

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Throughout her working years and beyond, Mary lived in the same residence in Clifton with her sister Helen for over fifty-five years. Though not twins, they were inseparable and as close as two sisters could be. They lived apart for a short time after Helen got married and moved to Philadelphia. After Helen’s husband passed away, they moved back together finding a new condo in Wayne where they have resided together ever since. 

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Despite her modest beginnings at the orphanage, Mary was determined to better her circumstances. When she first sought out to learn about investing, she was dismissed because she was a woman. Mary’s determination and ability eventually won over her teacher who recognized her potential and decided to impart as much as he could teach her. Mary excelled and built and managed her investment portfolio that grew steadily over the years. With her success, she graciously shared her earnings with the Church, numerous religious organizations, and orphanages.

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Mary was a woman of many passions. She was an avid skier, golfer, dancer, and crocheter. On the dance floor, especially when Polka music played, Mary and her sister Helen captivated the audience with their Polka dance. As a crocheter, Mary was as generous as she was talented, creating countless blankets and sweaters for family members and charitable donations alike.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for positive outlook and refusal to complain about anything. She had a gift for seeing the good in others and never spoke ill of anyone. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives, and her faith was the true cornerstone of her life. Her commitment to her faith never wavered from her early years in the orphanage through her final days. She devoted herself to the Blessed Mother and to St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, where she put her administrative skills to work in service of the parish. More than anything, Mary’s faith was the source of her strength to help her through life’s toughest moments. 

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Mary is predeceased by her parents Charles and Mary Kovach; her sister Helen Niewodowski and her husband Frank; and her brother Michael Kovach and his wife Anneliese; her nephews Michael Kovach and Thomas Kovach; her great niece Margaret Caubet; and her great, great niece Alaina Teixeira.

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She is survived by her nieces Virginia Jakimowicz and her husband Patrick, Elisabeth Godlesky and her husband Richard, and Anneliese Nault and her husband David; her nephews Daniel Kovach and his wife Susan, and John Kovach and his wife Geralyn; her great nieces and nephews: Michael Kovach, William Kovach, Christopher Kovach, James Jakimowicz, Andrew Jakimowicz, Anneliese Meloni, Laura Godlesky, Christine Teixeira, Timothy Kovach, Gabriel Kovach, Melanie Nault, and Sarah Nault; and great great nieces and nephews: Mary Kovach, Anneliese Kovach, Michael Kovach, Amelia Meloni, Sophia Meloni, Kayden Godlesky, Benjamin Teixeira, Joseph Perkins, Anthony Perkins, and  Nathan Kovach.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Cathedral.