Ann C. Kurelja

Ann C. Kurelja, age 91, 74 Hunt Club Drive, Bloomsburg and formerly of Tom‘s River, NJ, died at 6 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at the Columbia Montour Hospice at Maria Hall, Danville, where she was a patient for one week. She resided at Maria Joseph Manor since 2008.

Born on May 14, 1922 in West New York, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Kristina (Pollack) Karach.

She was last employed at Hamrah’s in Creskill, NJ, where she worked for 14 years, retiring in 1986.

Ann was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church, Bloomsburg. She enjoyed being a mom, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Christ A. Kurelja on July 5, 1972; by a son, Anton C. Kurelja on November 19, 2013; two sisters: Elsie Scambatti and Mary Bykowski; and by a brother, Peter Karach.

Surviving are nine children: Barbara K. Wrights, Cape May, NJ; Carol M. wife of Edwin Knoll, Covington, La.; Chris P. Kurelja, wife Rita, Estes Park, Co.; Patricia N., wife of Barry Mattison, Loveland, Co.; Ann Gumby, Bloomsburg; Mary M., wife of Eddy Jo Marshall, Bath, Pa.; Elizabeth, wife of Roman Engel, Estes Park, Co.; Peter John Kurelja, wife Jennifer, Mifflinburg; John M. Kurelja, wife Jacqueline, Bloomsburg; daughter-in-law, Patricia Kurelja, Succasunna, NJ; 26 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; four siblings: Kay Malloy and Dorothy Celetti, both of Tom’s River, NJ; Charles Karach, wife Marie, Lakewood, NJ; Christina, wife of Emil Pellegrino, Emerson, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 4 p.m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg. Her pastor, Mgsr. Robert E. Lawrence will be the celebrant. Friends may call at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg on Thursday from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Interment will be made on Friday at 11 a.m. in the Cemetery of the Madonna, Fort Lee, NJ.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to Maria Joseph Manor, 875 Montour Blvd., Danville, PA 17821.