Theresa K. (Kochalka) Gruber

Theresa K. Gruber
Galloway Twp., N.J.
Theresa K. Gruber, 95, of Galloway Twp., N.J., passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at Seashore Gardens, Galloway, N.J.

Born July 2, 1921, on College Hill in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late John and Theresa (Duris) Kochalka. Her parents immigrated through Ellis Island and she was very proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage. Theresa enjoyed working as a secretary before enlisting in the Women's Army Corp during World War II. While serving her country, she was stationed in London, England, and Paris, France. Theresa also received a Bronze Star. Upon return, she met and then married John Henry Gruber and they had three children. Theresa's joys in life were swimming at the Y.M.C.A., a well written book, fresh vegetables from a garden and a good hot cup of tea (of course with "schleck"). She was very proud to be a veteran and a 50-year survivor of breast cancer (she was a story of hope).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Gruber, and two brothers, John and Mike Kochalka.
Surviving are her three children, David Gruber, New Jersey; Suzanne (John) Bell, Maryland, and Shirley (Bill) Hogan, New Jersey; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grand-children, and many nieces and nephews across the country, including her god-daughter, Donna Landsbaugh.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com. Additional viewing will be held Thursday March 2, 2017, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, New Brighton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m.

Inurnment will follow in St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery.

The Beaver County Special Unit will meet at St. Cecilia Cemetery on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 11:15 a.m. to conduct military honors.

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