Sarah L. Wood Kovach

Sarah Louise Kovach, 90, passed away peacefully at home, with her family at her bedside, on Friday, March 15, 2013. Born July 12, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, Sarah was the youngest child of Carl and Ruth Wood. She had two sisters, Margaret (Elwell) and Ruth Janet (Bates), who preceded her in death. Sarah graduated from Berea High School, in Ohio, and studied music at Baldwin-Wallace College. In 1940 she met her future husband, John Joseph Kovach Sr. They were married on May 30, 1942, and raised six children: Janet (Robert), Mary, Richard (Sara), John Jr. (Janet), Lee (Margaret), and Kim (Frank). Sarah and her family relocated to the Phoenix, Arizona area in 1980. Sarah faithfully cared for her husband, John, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, for 8 years until his death in 1994. The focus of Sarah’s life was her family. She is survived by 32 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. Sarah exemplified kindness, and an unconditional love of her family. She looked forward to and enjoyed the celebration of new births, birthdays, anniversaries, and family holiday gatherings. She was an accomplished poker player, and rarely missed a family card game. Her hobby was the study of handwriting analysis, and she spent many hours developing individual analyses for family members. She had enormous strength, determination, wisdom, and love for her family and friends, and she will be forever missed. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church at 440 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert 85233, at 10 am on Wednesday, March 27. Graveside services will follow at Valley of the Sun Cemetery at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248. The family requests that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to Banner Hospice—202 E. Earll Dr., Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012.