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Kathy Jo Kosior-Nelson
January 9, 1959 to November 14, 2021
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Kathy Jo Kosior-Nelson, age 62, passed away to be with the Lord on Nov. 14, 2021 following a brief but terminal illness. Kathy was born Jan. 9, 1959, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Anthony and Jane Sophie (Cwynar) Kosior.
Kathy spent her formative years in New Castle PA where she graduated from New Castle Senior High School in 1976. She was on the high school cheerleading team. She attended Slippery Rock University for two years before moving to Boca Raton, Florida, where she attended Florida Atlantic University. While in attendance, Kathy passed a statistics proficiency test and graduated in December 1980, without ever taking the class! She had an uncanny ability to recall numbers and dates throughout her life. After receiving her bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and inspired by her Uncle Frank Baranski, Kathy pursued her career goal of becoming a probation officer. She served as a probation officer in Florida and New York from 1981 through 1988, until her appointment as a United States Probation Officer in April 1988. She proudly worked in the special offender unit before her retirement in December 2011.
After retiring, Kathy enjoyed every moment life brought to her, keeping everyone in her life close by regularly arranging "reunions" with her wide network of friends, her favorite activity. She had a way of making everyone who knew her feel special. Her smile and laughter engaged everyone she met. Close friends described her as loyal, tenacious, fun, an avid football fan and the "ultimate friend." Kathy read the Bible daily and was a firm follower of the Christian faith. She will be missed by numerous friends who loved her dearly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas, in 1956.
She is survived by her husband, David E. Nelson, of Boca Raton, Florida; brother, Jack Kosior (Karin), of New Castle, Pennsylvania; maternal aunts, Clara "Lola" McFarland, Beverly Cwynar and Peggy Cwynar; numerous Kosior and Cwynar cousins; and sisters-in-law, Donna Heller, Kristina Prodouz and Andrea Elias.
Kathy was eternally grateful to those who visited, called and prayed for her, and wanted to especially thank the friends who slept by her bedside during the final weeks of her life so she would not be alone. Kathy requested her friends gather to celebrate her life on a date to be announced.
A private blessing service will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at the Noga Funeral Home. Deacon John Carran of Holy Spirit Parish will officiate. Kathy's wishes were to be buried alongside her mother, Jane Kosior, at S.S. Philip and James Cemetery. Due to COVID, a Catholic Mass, as well as, a Celebration of Life Service, will take place at a later date.
Eternal rest grant unto Kathy, O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
