Mary Agnes Kowal

Mary A. Kowal, 78, of Centennial, Colorado, passed away on April 22, 2025.  Born on May 12, 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mary was adopted by Charles R “Gus” and Genevieve (McGraw) Windgassen.  She graduated from Vincentian High School, and went on to Slippery Rock University. 

On January 11, 1969, Mary was wed to Kenneth Bittner.  Later that year, they welcomed their first child, Leslie.  In 1971, they added son Jason, and rounded out their family with Genevieve in 1974.  They resided in Bradford Woods, PA, where Mary took an active role in the Bradford Woods Women’s Club and the Bradford Woods Couples Club.  She produced, wrote, directed, and starred in their biennial plays for many years.  Mary married Joseph Kowal on May 30, 1987.  Together they created a home full of love and laughter.  She was a dedicated mother, shuttling her 3 kids to various activities and attending every event she could.  This dedication continued with her grandchildren.  She was their biggest supporter, always encouraging her children, and then grandchildren, to follow their dreams and what they loved. 

Mary worked for the North Allegheny School District for many years, retiring in June 2008 as a School Administrative Assistant.  After the death of her husband, Joe, she moved to Colorado in 2015 to be closer to her daughter’s family. There she made new friends, took an active role on her neighborhood HOA board, became a fan of the Colorado Mammoth, and rescued her beloved cats, Ricky and Lucy.  In her remaining years, Mary fought cancer bravely, always with her sense of humor intact.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Genevieve, her husband Joe, her step-son Jeff (Caitlyn), and her son-in-law Russell.   She is survived by her daughter Leslie (Bittner) Wilson, son Jason (Revere), and her grandchildren Coulson (Brooke), Delaney, Dannah, Andrew “Gus”, and Jake, as well as extended family and friends across the country.  She will be buried at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Pittsburgh, next to her loves, Joe and Genn.  A celebration of life will be held at the Bradford Woods Community Church on Monday July 21, from 1:30 – 3:30PM, 4836 Wexford Run Road, Bradford Woods PA 15015.  Please RSVP to marykowalcelebration@gmail.com by July 12.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Mary’s memory to your local cancer or animal charity.

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