ADVERTISING
Virginia G. Kudla
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 03, 2024
Virginia G. (Jean) Kudla, of Glassport, passed away on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at the age of 92, at Grandview Estates in Elizabeth, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Genevieve Wawrzeniak; loving and devoted wife of the late Henry (Hank) Kudla for 55 years. Dearly beloved mother of Mary Jean (Duane) Molinaro, Henry (Cathy) Kudla, Mark (Lori) Kudla, Ruth (Pete) Chiappa and Joe (Regina) Kudla. Loving and proud grandmother of Aaron (Shelly), Joey (Lauren) and Michael Molinaro, Tom, Dan and Kristen Kudla, Chris and Matt (fiance Rachel Bartlett) Chiappa and Joseph II and John Kudla. Her great granddaughter Olivia and great grandson Ethan Molinaro, gave her great joy and enjoyment in her last years. She also had many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by brothers Ray (Irene) and Arthur (Ethel) Wawrzeniak, and sister Evelyn (Stan) Wandel; sisters-in-law Sister Edward Kudla, Evelyn (John) Lizik, and Theresa (Edward) Tyszkiewicz; brothers-in-law John (Helen), Frank (Dorothy), Stan (Mary), Edward (Gina), Ted (Marcie) and Jake Kudla. She was born on April 21, 1931 in Glassport. A graduate of Holy Cross Elementary School and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, she received a BS in Biology/Chemistry from Duquesne University. While Jean was working as a chemist for the Bureau of Mines, she and Hank married and started their family. After working towards, and graduating with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, she began her career teaching at Holy Cross Elementary School in Glassport, which later became Glassport Catholic Elementary School, and then she taught at Serra Catholic High School in McKeesport. Later, at St. Joseph Regional School in Port Vue, where she taught upper elementary sciences, Jean was always looking for new ways to get students involved and excited about science. That included science projects for both local and regional science fairs. In 1994, her students' science projects (Junior Division) had so many winning entries that she won an award for her students winning the most awards! She also won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Award, and the Alcoa Fund Award. In 1995, Jean won the Society of Analytical Chemists Award. She won the Golden Apple Award in its first year, given to top teachers in the Pittsburgh diocese. She was also nominated by past students and chosen to be included with the best teachers in America in the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" publication, 1998 Edition. Jean was very devout in her faith, and it showed by her actions and deeds. She had served as a lector and CCD teacher at Holy Cross Church, and after they merged with St. Cecilla's to become Queen of the Rosary Parish, she became a member of their Choir for many years. She was also active in Christian Mothers, Ladies of Charity, and the Rosary Society, where she had been on the Board and past president. Jean was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved being with her family, watching her grandchildren grow up, and being a part of their lives. Her kindness, generosity, and life was a blessing to us all. We would like to thank the staff at Grandview Estates for their care and kindheartedness. We are especially greatful to Commonwealth Hospice aide Christy and nurse Nicole for their outstanding attention, love and compassion given to Jean. Friends will be received at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, on Wed., Feb. 7, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8. A funeral mass will be held on Feb. 8, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, Queen of the Rosary Church, 530 Michigan Ave., Glassport with Father Miroslaus Wojcicki as celebrant. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Port Vue. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Alzheimer's Association or to St. Joachim and Anne Parish.
Originally published February 03, 2024.
Other deaths:
"Mildred "Mili" Messin…" || "Grace Marie “Dake” Wi…"