Judith Ann Kozo (Oboikovitsch)

Judith Ann Kozo passed away peacefully on August 21, 2022. She was 81 years old. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Judy left an indelible impression on everyone she met.

Judy was born Judith Ann Oboikovitsch in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1941 to Emil and Margaret Oboikovitsch. After graduating from Central Catholic High School, Judy studied key punch operating, an antiquated form of data entry. It was at key punch school that Judy was persuaded by a colleague to go on a blind date with a friend of hers. The man was James Paul Kozo, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who would become the love of Judy’s life.

Judy and James soon married in 1961. They moved into an apartment in Fountain Hill, PA., where they had their two boys-James Paul Kozo, Jr. in 1962 and Michael John Kozo in 1964. While James went to work at Bethlehem Steel, Judy stayed home to raise the children. Judy soon developed a passion for sewing and crocheting-often making her own dresses-and her exploits in the kitchen became the stuff of legend. Her trademark spaghetti and her delectable zucchini bread were enjoyed by generations of her family.

In 1979, Judy and James moved to Forest Hill, Maryland. Judy returned to the workforce, working for years with Harford Mutual Insurance. Later, Judy and James travelled the world, visiting Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii. Additionally, Judy spent her time giving back to the community she loved, working as a volunteer at the senior center and the Harford County Historical Society.

Judy was survived by her beloved husband, James, and her dear son, James Jr. She is preceded in death by her treasured son, Michael, who passed away tragically in 1990. She is additionally survived by her daughter-in-law Peggie Rose Kozo, grandson Sean, his wife Kelly and their daughter, Tessa; her granddaughter Amber and her husband, Gregory; and her granddaughter Tanya. Judy also leaves behind her sister Jeanne Struck and her cousins Carol Breslin, Dee Falco, and Eileen Truchan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Catholic Church-Hickory on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:30am. The family will receive friends in church on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 10:30am-11:30am. Interment Bel Air Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Judy’s name to the American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org)