Binghamton: Margaret (Sowka) Kozik passed away in Wilson Hospital on Saturday, October 13, 2012. Born on May 24, 1924, she lived a full life during her 88 years among us. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Susan and Michael Sowka; five siblings, and her husband of 61 years, John Kozik Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Ann Cantrowitz (David), Sandra Marie Crabbs-Russ (Ron) and Marlene Joyce Mallah (Michael); grandchildren, Sarah and Adam Cantrowitz, Adrian and Emily Crabbs, Rachel Meier and Allyson Mallah; great-grandchildren, Nathan and Hazel Kwon; her brother, John Sowka (Marla); her brother-in-law, Rudy Bystrak (Barbara); her son-in-law, John Crabbs; and several nieces and nephews. Margaret’s life was centered on her family and her church. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She and the love of her life, John, were childhood sweethearts. They grew up and grew old together. They both served their country, supported their church, and worked hard to build a good life for their children. Margaret was a woman of many talents. She learned to hunt, fish, and play horseshoes in order to be part of her husband’s life. She will be remembered for the many hours she spent in St. Mary’s kitchen working alongside the “church ladies” who were among her closest friends. Margaret was a good woman. She was proud of being a Navy veteran of WWII and happiest when surrounded by her family. A true stoic, she was a strong-willed woman who fought her illnesses with determination and without complaint. The family is grateful for the care and compassion she received from the staff of St. Louise Manor and Elizabeth Church Manor. Baba Mother Margaret will be missed but not forgotten by those who knew and loved her. Funeral services will be held Tuesday 10 a.m. at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 54 Baxter Street, Binghamton with Rev. Ilya Gotlinsky officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Rev. Gotlinsky will conduct a prayer service Monday at 6:45 p.m. in the Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, 326 Prospect Street, Binghamton where the family will receive friends on Monday 4-7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in Margaret’s memory may be made to her church, Elizabeth Church’s Activity Fund, the Alzheimer’s Association , or a charity of your choice
