Harriet Josephine Znosko

Znosko, Harriet Josephine (May 15, 1930 – April 26, 2021)

At the age of 90, and only 3 weeks before her birthday, Harriet was unexpectedly taken from us. Loving Mother to Gerald – and Amazing Grandmother to Alex, Daulton and Sophia, she is predeceased by her husband, Walter, after 69 years of marriage; her 4 sisters, and both parents.

Harriet was born in New Kensington, PA, one of five sisters. She met and fell in love with Walter Znosko at the age of 17. Theirs was a love that started young and lasted long. She often told the story of how Walter courted her, constantly waiting outside her home every night, repeatedly asking her out on a date; and “all this fuss after seeing me only one time”.  He just knew she was the one.  She jokingly admitted that she had to finally give in and marry him, due to his relentless persistence. They married at the age of 18 and remained married for 69 happy years. Harriet first moved to Orlando in the early 1960’s, where she was blessed with her only son, Gerald. In addition to being a career woman and working mother, she took every opportunity to enjoy taking Gerald to Disney World, and keeping him occupied with Boy Scouts, sports, and church.  As a devout Catholic, she never missed attending church, and made sure the entire family attended midnight mass every Christmas eve without excuse.  Throughout her life, she was a hard worker, refusing to retire from OUC until the age of 72. She was generous and caring to a fault. All who knew Harriet, agreed that she was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman who never backed down from her position. She was known to be extremely stubborn, but equally loving. As a result of her strong and independent nature, she continued to not only live in her home for over 50 years, but insisted on maintaining it herself. Although she was always a kind and helpful neighbor, she was an even better friend to the neighborhood pets. She had a deep rooted love for all animals, especially those who were alone or abused. This was notably evidenced by her unwavering dedication to feeding all the stray animals who needed love or attention. Over her many years, she adopted several dogs and cats from her local Animal Rescue Shelter, and often fed neighborhood raccoons and unwanted strays, always leaving food and water out. She was in fact, a very complex and beautiful woman.

She is survived by her son, Gerald; Daughter-in-law, Wanda; Grandsons, Alex and Daulton; and Granddaughter, Sophia.

She will be sadly missed by both family and friends. It was a blessing for all those who knew and loved her. We now find comfort in knowing she is home with our Lord in heaven, and finally reunited with her husband, Walter, and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the local Animal Rescue Shelter, or St. James Catholic Church of Orlando.

Viewing will be Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where prayers of transfer will be held at 9:30am on Thursday, May 6, 2021, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Leishman Ave, New Kensington, PA. Burial will follow alongside her Mother, Father and Husband in St. Mary Cemetery, Lower Burrell. www.rossgwalker.com

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