Anna Rita Kozura

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Anna Rita O’Brien Kozura of Pottsville, on January 12, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. Centenarian was a title she was deeply proud to have earned

. Born on July 26, 1925, in Heckscherville, Anna was the eldest daughter of Francis X. and Julia (Curran) O’Brien. She was raised in the traditions of her Irish heritage and Catholic faith, attending St. Kieran’s School and Church, where those values took firm root and remained central throughout her life. Later, she became a devoted member of St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville

. Anna was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas Kozura, Sr. to whom she was married for 50 wonderful years.

Prior to their marriage, she worked at the Jacob Boltz Knitting Mill in Pottsville. After marrying Nick, she devoted herself to raising their seven children and creating a home defined by love, care, and constancy. In 1970, she returned to the mill, working until her retirement to care for her ailing husband—a testament to their love. Family was the heart of Anna’s life. Being a mother was her greatest joy, and that love grew to include her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Her home was always open and welcoming. Even in her final years, she delighted in having everyone’s favorite snacks or drinks on hand—a simple but powerful expression of her love. She enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, adding thoughtful touches to her home, and sharing meals at Palermo’s Restaurant. She had a lively, “ready-for-anything” spirit. Anna’s faith sustained her through every season of life. She faithfully prayed the rosary and read from her well-worn prayer books daily, and, when no longer able to attend Mass in person, found peace watching daily Mass at home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas Kozura, Sr.; daughter, Carol A. Rosenberger; son, Robert T. Kozura; sons-in-law Woody J. Leach and Ronald Rosenberger; her sisters Helen O’Brien, Alma Stramitis, and Kathleen “Kitty” Androshick; and her brothers Robert, Francis, Joseph, Thomas, James, Cyril, and John O’Brien.

She is survived by her children: Nicholas J. (Rosemary), Kathleen Leach (widow of Woody); Ronald (Dorothy); Sharon Laychock (Peter); Sandra Czulada (Chip) and daughter-in-law Kathryn Kozura (widow of Robert). She will be lovingly remembered as “Nan” by her grandchildren: Brian Rosenberger, Bethann Rosenberger, Josh Laychock (Jillian), Eric Laychock (Ashley), Kristopher Kozura, Anthony Leach (companion Jennifer), Jennifer Vaughn (Kyle), Bret Kozura (Alyssa), Abby Czulada, Camilla Diament (Michael), and Hank Kozura; and her great-grandchildren: Sophia and Ava Vaughn; Catherine, Nicholas, and Lucas Laychock; Carmine and Lorenzo Laychock; Everett and baby Diament expected soon; and Jack and Jayne Kozura.

Anna will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her. It is impossible for us to imagine our lives without her in it

. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on January 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville with Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis officiating.

Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anna’s name to St. Michael the Archangel Church of the Holy Family Parish, Minersville 538 Sunbury Street, Minersville, PA 17954.

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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