Marirose Bonanno Kozak

Marirose Kozak, a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother was taken by her very loved GOD to be with her parents and walk with the angels on June 13. Her family prayed with her as she struggled unsuccessfully to stay with us until her sixtieth wedding anniversary on June 18, only five days later.

She was born September 9, 1941, to Laura and Frank Bonanno Jr. in Barnesboro PA. She graduated with a BS in Biology from SETON HILL WOMEN’S COLLEGE in 1963 and married her first and only true love, Karl Kozak Sr, Ensign USN.

She was the ideal busy NAVY wife: she started in California, moved eight times, raised two boys often on her own and finally landed in San Diego where Karl left the NAVY in 1970. The next years followed Karl’s career to the East Coast and back to the West to spend 30 years in Thousand Oaks, CA. There Marirose got masters degrees in education and business while employed by the Simi Valley Unified School District. After thirty years she retired in 2007 as the Director of the Simi Valley Adult School. They moved to San Diego to enjoy retirement and be near their oldest son and grandchildren.

Marirose had a wonderful, happy, interesting, and successful life; she visited fifty-four countries as she loved people and learning new cultures. Of course, her happiest times were dedicated to life with her husband, sons, grandchildren, and family friends. She was dedicated to God, watched EWTN and said the rosary daily.

She is survived by her loving husband Karl Kozak Sr., sons Karl Kozak Jr. and Scott Kozak MD, six grandchildren: Brianna, Brooklyn, Quinn, Carter, Maria Christina, and Mikey, her loving sister Joan Ballash and Victor Ballash, Karl Srs oldest son Michael Lydic MD and Sandra Lydic, best friends Annette Lehman, Irene and Edward Conrad, daughter in-law Robin Laatz, Robert and Doreen Laatz, sisters in-law Carole Murphy and Patricia Woods.

CELEBRATION of LIFE MASS: 1:30 PM on Saturday July 15 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral,1535 3rd Avenue, San Diego.

INTERNMENT: 1 PM on Thursday July 20 at the Miramar National Cemetery Columbarium, (Immediate Family Only).

Marirose loved GOD and her family; we’ll miss and love her FOREVER.