CLARA G. KOLLAR

Clara G. Kollar, our beautiful, loving Mother and Nana sadly passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018.  She was born in Nanticoke and was the daughter of the late Clara and Clement Gruszkiewicz.  She was also preceded in death by beloved husband, Albert and only Son, Albert, 
 
A graduate of Edwardsville High School, class of 1945, she was one of the first young women in our area to fly overseas to Germany, post World War II, to be married to her sweetheart, Albert, U.S. Army in 1947 in a full military ceremony. While there she gave birth to her first child, Albert, Jr. She lived in Germany for 5 years before returning to Edwardsville.

She was a loving, devoted mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to her family and always had a great sense of knowing just how to manage everything along with her wonderful intuition, curiosity and insight into life. We all felt better with tough decisions, when she would express her view and turned out they were usually the right choice.

She loved all,  especially music of the 40's and master of the lyrics, making Frank Sinatra her absolute favorite but kept listening to current music and had quite a few pop favorites as well. Never letting age make her old.

A self taught intellectual, she had a huge interest and curiosity in reading and learning all kinds of things and was a loyal viewer of Jeopardy and more often than not,  got the "final answer". She loved nature, appreciated a beautiful day, and was always polite and respectful of others. Had real empathy for people and animals struggling and homeless.  Even through illness, she would always thank all those around who helped her with anything at all.  Truly one of a kind mother, wife and grandmother who made all our lives richer because she was and will always be part of them. 

Clara is survived by daughters: Donna, Edwardsville, Lynda, Edwardsville, Barbara, Wilkes-Barre, grandchildren: Jeffrey Zapotoczny and wife Heidi, Austin TX; Steven Kollar and wife Jordan, Raleigh, NC; Amy Smith and husband Trey, Ashland, NC; Lorraine Saporito-O'Donnell and her husband Dave, Hickory, NC; Amanda Griffith and husband Michael, West Wyoming; great grandchildren: Adam Smith, NC, Julianne Smith, NC, Aurora O'Donnell, NC; Owen Griffith, West Wyoming and her beloved cat, "Kitty".

Funeral service will be held Monday, April 9th at 9:30 a.m. from the Andrew Strish Funeral Home, 11 Wilson St. Larksville with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Church, Nesbitt Street, Larksville. Friends may call 4-6pm Sunday at the funeral home and Monday morning from 9:00 am until time of service.

Memorial contributions in Clara's name may be made to: Whisker's World, Inc. and homeless shelters of your choice.

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