Katherine Kotun

Katherine Kotun, age 92, of McKeesport, died May 1, 2021. She was born in McKeesport on November 19, 1928 and is the daughter of the late Samuel and Theodora Skarpenzou Pandel. She is the wife of the late John J. Kotun who she loved to travel with…there were yearly trips to Geneva on the Lake with the family and close friends. Later she and John enjoyed multiple trips to Las Vegas, Nevada and they also visited numerous states to attend John’s Navy reunions.

She is a proud graduate of the McKeesport High School class of 1946 and Duquesne University class of 1950 where she received a Business Administration degree. Following a couple years of employment at Irvin Works, she eventually managed and then owned the former family business, the well-known Sam’s or Sam’s Hot Dogs, in McKeesport, PA. She cared deeply for the family business and was well liked by her staff and patrons. She is a life-time member of the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church Greek in White Oak, PA. For several years she also had a part time evening job as the manager of the American Legion bingo in East Pittsburgh.

Katherine was deeply invested in family and getting all together, both her side and her husband’s side. She was always there for her siblings, and her children providing strength, wisdom and support. Despite working two jobs for many years, she still found time to really get to know each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was an inspiration to her family and touched them all.

She grew up in a tight-knit Greek family. She was the oldest of five siblings and she was the glue that kept them close along with their many cousins. She is survived by her children, Michael (Roberta) Kotun of Monongahela, Pauline (Ralph) Kitchen of Bethel Park, and Renee (Kevin) Elwood of Upper St. Clair, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, siblings, Stella (the late Charles) Neuschwander of White Oak, and Michael Pandel of Youngstown, Ohio, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by siblings, Pauline Magoulakis and Ted Pandel.

God granted Katherine 92 years and we are truly blessed to have had her in our lives. Her optimism was always present whether she was with family, friends, or former employees, she kept the focus on others, never herself. More powerful than anything was her internal voice that will always remain deep inside of us. She is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to longtime family friend, Mickey Kaloz Miller, who brightened our days when she visited and provided care. A special thanks to both Comfort Keepers and Visiting Angels, especially Melissa and Saffron who provided loving care overnight, as well as the entire staff at Baptist Homes who provided care during her final month.

Family and friends are welcome at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Services will follow at Noon at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 1128 Summitt Street, White Oak, PA 15131.

The family and our team members appreciate that all visitors follow the current CDC guidelines including wearing of masks, social distancing, and capacity limits. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding. The family also wants everyone to know that they completely understand if anyone is not comfortable with visiting and paying their respects during this pandemic.