Vera Karowicz

Vera Szapowalowa Karowicz Age 91, of Erie, Pennsylvania went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday June 2, 2017 at LECOM Presque Isle. Vera was born on February 28, 1926 in Kluczynowka, Ukraine. When WWII broke out at the age of 15 she was forcefully removed from her family home and had to work at a German farm labor camp, where she met her husband Antoni. Vera and Antoni immigrated from Germany with their daughter Wieslawa to Erie in 1957. Vera was known as “Babushka”  to everyone in the city of Erie. She walked everywhere in the city and was known by many.

 She was a former member of the Russian Ukrainian Baptist Church where she was heavily involved in reciting poetry in her native Ukrainian language. After she moved to the west side of Erie she became a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

 She so loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Vera loved this country and proudly sang “God Bless AMERICA” as loud as she could.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Antoni Karowicz who passed away on October 23, 1990.

She is survived by her daughter Wieslawa “Vickie” Newcomb and son-in-law Garlan “Butch” Newcomb. She is further survived by her granddaughters Lisa Newcomb Mullen and husband Kevin, Kristine Newcomb Poloyac and husband Sam; her grandsons Anthony G. Newcomb and Marc G. Newcomb and wife Michelle and   great-granddaughter Brittanni A. Newcomb and great-grandson Sam Poloyac Jr.

 Our family wishes to thank LECOM at Presque Isle for the wonderful love and care they gave to Vera. She loved her temporary home. In addition, we thank Lakeland Area Hospice for the love and care they provided her.

Per her wishes there will be no calling hours. A private family service will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26 Street Erie PA 16506.  

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bethel Christian School 1781 West 38 Street Erie PA 16508; Emmaus Soup Kitchen 218 East 11 Street Erie PA 16503 or Erie City Mission 1017 French Street Erie PA 16512.

 To send condolences please visit www.Burtonfuneralhome.com