Obituaries
March 16, 2020

Elizabeth Godissart Keracik – Belle Vernon

By obits

Elizabeth Godissart Keracik
Belle Vernon
Elizabeth Godissart Keracik, 97, daughter of the late Peter J. and Lorena Neil Godissart, died Sunday, March 15, 2020. Born on Aug. 10, 1922, in Seldom Seen (East Belle Vernon), she lived in the Belle Vernon area her entire life. A graduate of Marion High School, Class of 1940, she served as class secretary and historian. She was married to Joseph Keracik on Jan. 13, 1944, until he died in 1981. She was employed as a nurse’s aide at the former Charleroi-Monessen Hospital during World War II. An accomplished pianist, Mrs. Keracik shared her talents at Marion Presbyterian Church, Rostraver AARP and for many years as both Sunday school and church pianist at First Baptist Church of Belle Vernon, where she also served as treasurer of the King’s Daughters Sunday school class for almost 40 years. She was a member of Rehoboth Presbyterian Church and the women’s Bible study group. She is survived by her only daughter, Dr. Linda Kissler and son in-law David, with whom she made her home for the last seven years. Survivors also include one grandson, Brian Charles Kissler (Meredith Hopkins) of Chicago, Ill.; one granddaughter, Brea Amber Kissler (fiancé, Jim Bartko) of North Belle Vernon; and the joy of her life, Adelienne Elizabeth, her great-granddaughter. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, Kathleen Lokay of Bethel Park, Shirley Miller of Belle Vernon, Charles Barcelona of Charleroi, Richard Barcelona of Canonsburg and Charles Keracik of Texas; as well as her adopted daughter, Carol Hott Gailey of Irwin. At the request of the family and because of the coronavirus, a memorial service will be held at a later date at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church with Pastor Donald Glunt officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon, 724-929-5300 www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Graduation day at PennWest California
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Hannah Smith, an elementary education major from Cecil, celebrates with fellow graduates during PennWest California’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday at the Convocation Center. See more photo...
BVA investigating social media threats
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
In response, police will have an increased presence today at Rostraver Elementary. By LADIMIR GARCIA and TAYLOR BROWN lgarcia@yourmvi.com tbrown@yourmvi.com Belle Vernon Area School District officials...
Up to 6 inches of snow blankets the Mon Valley
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
The storm was followed by bitter cold, but a warmup is in the forecast for later this week. Snow from a weekend winter storm tapered off early Sunday morning, but not before dropping several inches ac...
Latest winners honored in Ideas 2 Enterprise program
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio won first-place honors and a $5,000 grant. Big ideas and small businesses were in the spotlight Thursday as local entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the late...
Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport has new director
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Michael Chirichella wants people to feel at home whenever they visit the library. By COLETTE FUNCHES McKeesport Community Newsroom When visitors enter the doors of the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesp...
Elizabeth Township sets water shut-off procedure
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 15, 2025
It runs through March 31, covering non-payment issues for the winter. Elizabeth Township has approved a water shut-off procedure with Pennsylvania American Water for customers who don’t pay their bill...