Bernell R. Kovach, 84, Lifetime resident of Lorain

She was born March 3, 1920 in Lorain, where she resided most of her life.

Mrs. Kovach was a Lorain High School graduate, and then attended the University of Michigan on a scholarship and a graduate of Kent State University.

Bernell had been employed at American Telephone and Telegraph Co. of Lorain as a technical engineer for 10 years, retiring in 1960. She also worked as a floral designer for Irene and Albert, and Albert Eltham Florist both in Lorain. She was a member of Nativity Blessed Virgin Church in Lorain and former member and past President of former Cecilian Choir of the church, which she was responsible for the initiation and installation of the chimes on the church's organ. She also served as Financial Secretary for the Polish Women's Alliance of America.

Survivors include two brothers: Daniel Pawlak and John Pawlak both of Lorain, Ohio; two sisters: Rosella Paysor of LaGrange, and Florence Kilmer Grandview, MO; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband: Stephen Kovach (1987); parents: John and Rose (nee Matuszak) Pawlak; late police chief brother: Frank Pawlak; brothers, Leo and Stanley; a sister Jeanette Szymanski-Smolka, and guardian former Postmaster Albert M. Matuszak.

Private visitation will be held at Dombroski-Volak-Riddle Funeral Home, Lorain.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church., 418 West 15th Street, Lorain, Ohio at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2004 with Reverend Robert Glepko officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.