Obituary of Kathleen P. Nikolishen

NIKOLISHEN - Kathleen Philliber, 65, of Ebensburg died peacefully at home on July 6, 2009. She was born January 22, 1944, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the eldest daughter of Betty Kathryn (Hoffman) Philliber and the late Robert Spencer Philliber. A 1962 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Services in Broadcasting from the Pennsylvania State University in 1966. She married Richard John Nikolishen in September 1968. Mrs. Nikolishen was an avid reader and genealogist and served on the Board of the Ebensburg Cambria Public Library as well as the Board of the Cambria County Historical Society. Her personal library is extensive and reflects both her love of history and her love of cooking. She enjoyed needlework and knitting and delighted in visiting with her grandchildren. Although a Punxsy girl at heart, she grew extremely fond of this town in “these high hills” where she and her husband raised their family. Mrs. Nikolishen was preceded in death by her father, Robert S. Philliber. She is survived by her husband Richard J. Nikolishen, Ebensburg; their four children: Johanna Kate, wife of Christopher Garrity, Philadelphia; Robert A. Nikolishen, married to the former Jeannine Clawson, Ebensburg; Laura Nan, wife of Matt McGinty, Downingtown; and Richard P. Nikolishen of Indiana; and three grandchildren: Alek Ignatius Nikolishen, Olivia Grace McGinty and Margaret Kathleen Garrity. She is also survived by her mother Betty Hoffman Philliber; her sister Kristeen Philliber; and her brother Harry A. “Butch” Philliber. Friends will be received from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Ebensburg, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Pastor Nadine Kinkead, officiating. Interment will be at Circle Hill Cemetery, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Ebensburg Cambria Public Library, the Cambria County Historical Society or the Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association.