Elsie L. (James) Kovach

Elsie L. Kovach, age 85, of McDonald, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Rose Manor in Oakdale, PA.

She was born April 28, 1941 in McDonald, a daughter of the late William and Mildred (Beck) James.

Elsie was a graduate of West Allegheny High School Class of 1959. She worked as a Nurse's Aide at various facilities including Marian Manor, St. Clair Hospital, and Mayview State Hospital, until her retirement in 2001.

On June 3, 1959, she married Gilbert R. Kovach, who passed away on June 18, 2017.

Mrs. Kovach was a member of the McDonald Presbyterian Church. She was extremely devoted to her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She loved crocheting, especially making afghans for her family and friends. Elsie liked to read, shop, lunch with friends, and enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Surviving are four children: Sandra K. (late Paul J.) McCloud, Timothy W. Kovach, Patricia L. (Dayne M., Sr.) Crowley, and Jennifer L. (Christopher D.) Goodwin; nine grandchildren, Julia McCloud, Daniel (Robyn) Kovach, Nicole (Aric) Toth, Dariann (Richard) Wirth, Dayne (Stacey) Crowley, Jr., Kyle (Fang Ji) Crowley, and Abigayle, McKinley, and Ethan Goodwin; and two great grandchildren, Dayne M. Crowley III and Annie Deli.

Deceased in addition to her husband and parents are three brothers, Paul, Phillip, and John James, her twin sister, Edith Pruse, and an infant grandson, Lucas Crowley.

Family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Service, 220 E. Lincoln Ave., McDonald, PA 15057, where services will take place on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Robinson Run Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the McDonald Meals on Wheels.

The family is grateful for and sincerely thanks the personnel at Rose Manor for their kind and compassionate care over the past few years, and also Gallagher Hospice for their more recent care as well.