Obituary of Lolita Ann Sossong

SOSSONG - Lolita Ann, 76, Ebensburg, went to be with the Lord Friday, March 9, 2007, at Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born on Feb. 4, 1931, in Wheeling, W.Va., daughter of Phillip and Alberta (Jochum) Lauer. Preceded in death by parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gertrude and Anthony Sossong; and brother-in-law, Thomas Braden. Survived by loving husband, Anthony "Tony" Sossong, and these children: Terry and Trisha (Parkinson), Conway, Ark.; Mike and Kim (Long), Portage; Tim and Carol (Beblar), Ebensburg; Brian and Sandy (Makin), Ebensburg; and Eric, Ebensburg. Also survived by grandchildren, Robert Robinson; Tony Sossong; Laura, Becky and Justine Sossong; and Jesse and Krista Sossong; sister, Barbara Braden, Pittsburgh; godson, Philip Braden, Boston, Mass.; and special cousin, Greg Jochum, and wife, Debbie. Also brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ken Sossong, Newton Hamilton; Ron and Gerry Sossong, Portage; Tom and Hilda Sossong, Ebensburg; Agnes and Dave Nolan, Portage; Ray and Vicki Sossong, Summerhill; Shirley and Ron Davis, Portage; Bob and Fran Sossong, Portage; and Kate and Bill Bickleman, Powder Springs, Ga.; and numerous nieces and nephews. A very special friend to the Carmelite Sisters of Loretto. Devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Graduate of Mount deChantel Academy, Wheeling, W.Va.; Duquesne University, Pittsburgh; and St. Francis College, Loretto, with her master's degree in education. Lita was a committed schoolteacher for over 40 years who taught school in Pittsburgh, Wilmore and Portage and at Central Cambria and Bishop Carroll schools, and retired from Holy Name School with 19 years of devoted service. She was passionate about English and reading and successfully coached the Holy Name Reading Competition Program for many years and was dedicated to her many students who over the years thanked her for her devotion. She was an active volunteer at Holy Name and cared for the altar flowers for 20 years. Friends received from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Matevish & Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where vigil wake service will be held Sunday evening. Rosary will be recited by Holy Name Prayer Group at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Monday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, the Rev. Msgr. Arnold L. Gaus. Committal, Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Name School Angel Fund or the Carmelite Sisters, Loretto, in Lita's memory.