Mary (Smietanik) Koval
February 9, 1928 ~ August 18, 2017 (age 89) 89 Years OldShare using:
Mary Koval, of Bayonne, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Bayonne Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Daughter of John and Sophie Smietanek, Mary was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania in 1928, moving to Bayonne in 1938 to a flat on Library Court. A parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish for 50 years, she recieved her formal education at Mt. Carmel Grammar School then Bayonne High School where she specialized in beauty culture. While still a student at BHS, Mary developed a strong work ethic as she began her working career attending classes in the morning and working a half day at the Maidenform factory in Bayonne sewing parachutes piecework. After graduation she continued working at Maidenform as a full time employee, completing 12 years there. Mary was employed at various companies over the years which included, EZ-Do in Jersey City, Greeting Card factory, Western Electric in South Kearny, and Pathe Color in Bayonne and Harrison.
In 1950 Mary married World War II veteran Alfred Koval, a Bayonne native of Prospect and 30th Street. They remained together until Alfred’s passing on September 11, 2014. In 1977 Ms. Koval took her hobby and skill in knitting and crocheting, purchased “Wooly World”, a yarn store on Broadway by 9th street, and successfully ran that business for more than 15 years before she retired. She continued knitting and crocheting for many decades, producing blankets, sweaters, hats, mittens, and more for family, friends and former Wooly World friends. Mary was a member of the Royal Arcanum for many decades serving at various posts. She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Senior Group, the Bayonne Seniors, and was a regular contributor to Knit-Wits.
She is survived by her five children, Monica Sobon, Donna Raye, Alfred Koval, Michelle Kuligoski and Peter Koval. Grandchildren include, Alyson Rhodes, Ashley Ardalan; Emily and Evan Raye; Michael, Melissa and Matthew Kuligoski.
A visitation will be held at the Dworzanski & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 22, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Everyone is asked to assemble at St. John Paul II Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Wednesday, August 23, at 8:45 am for a 9:00 am mass in Mary’s honor. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery Jersey City.
Please Note: There will be no visitation on Wednesday morning.