Phyllis L. Hudak

Phyllis L. Kocinski Hudak passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, November 25, 2024. She was surrounded by her family as she joined her husband, Mike Hudak and daughters Kathy and Theresa in heaven. 

Phyllis will be greatly missed by her surviving children, Michael Hudak (Ann), Susan Snyder (Greg Golkosky), and Sandy Etling (Scott). Her grandchildren that she loved dearly, Sara Bookheimer (Alan), Rachel Ferlin (Joe), Katie Murray (Mike), Abbey Etling, Kelsey Semnisky (Logan), and Jacob Etling (Mallory). Also her great grand children that she loved and enjoyed, Myles and Max Murray, Luke Bookheimer, and baby Cecelia Ferlin that will make her appearance in January. 

Grandma Blackhair will be sorely missed by all her grandchildren that she shared a very close bond. Phyllis is also survived by her sister, Maryann Vasinko, who was her best friend and card club buddy. Phyllis was predeceased by her sisters Betty Popovich and Dorothy Vickertosky.

Phyllis was born in Everson, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1931, the daughter of Joe and Anna (Firlik) Kocinski. When her Mom and dad were awarded land and a home in the new Norvelt Homestead project, she became an original homesteader in the Norvelt D Section plan. Phyllis grew up with many neighbors that she became close friends with and met and married the love of her life that lived just up the road from her. 

She was a member of Forty Martyrs and St. Florian churches where she served on the Rosary Society and was treasurer of Catholic Daughters of America for many years. Phyllis also was active all her life in her children’s activities, serving as President of the Football Mothers and Secretary of PTA for many years. 

After graduating from Hurst High School in 1949, where she was a majorette, Phyllis began her working career as a secretary and model at the former garment factory in Norvelt. She chose to stay home and raise her family before re-entering the work force again as a teller with Atlantic Financial. After retiring, Phyllis and Mike loved to travel to visit their children and to various gambling locations. They were frequent visitors to Atlantic City where they usually found luck and always had a great time.

Phyllis will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She always had a smile and showed kindness and generosity to everyone. She will be greatly missed but always remembered by her family.

Family and friends will be received on Friday from 2-6pm with Vigil Prayers at 5:45pm at the HOFFER WILT FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mount Pleasant Rd, Norvelt, where transfer prayers will be said on Saturday at 9:15am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Florian Church. Burial to follow in Forty Martyrs Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the nurses on the fourth floor of Latrobe Hospital and a special thanks to Shari, the tech partner who took such good care of her. Also thank you to Dr. Dan Fiumecaldo, who gave her great comfort during her stay, Dr. Andrew Fisher, and Dr. Bresinger who showed so much compassion and care. Thank you to hospice nurses Amanda, Anne, and Kaylee who were exceptional.

“To Live in Hearts You Leave Behind is Not to Die”