Holly A. Ostopick

Holly A. Ostopick, 65, died peacefully on Thursday morning after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Daughter of the late Douglas A. and Helen (Strong) Avery, she was a 1978 graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School and a 1988 graduate of Wilkes University. She was a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer and, until her illness made it impossible for her, worked as a Project Manager for Pennsy Supply Inc. In her words, "I built bridges and loved doing it."

She enjoyed quilting and made friends in that community. She also had a beautiful soprano voice which she shared with the world by singing with the Wyoming County Chorale and Water Gap Singers and with her good friend Tony Rovinski, with whom she sang for several years. One of the highlights of her life was traveling to Italy with the Water Gap Singers to sing at Mass at the Vatican. She was also a volunteer, especially at Keystone Mission. Although she had a small biological family, she treasured the friends she made throughout her life and loved to cook for them at her home. Her "Misfit Dinners" were an act of love where everyone felt welcome. Holly had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Countryside Community Church.

Holly didn't have an easy life, but she was a headstrong warrior who kept rolling with anything life handed her. She became a mother at a young age, then enrolled in college when her son entered first grade. Her tenacity and work ethic allowed her to work hard and play hard, traveling to many places to check things off her bucket list. When she was diagnosed with MS, it lit a fire under her to get out and accomplish what she wanted to do because she realized that she may not have the time and mobility available to wait any longer.

She is survived by her beloved son, Kristopher Kile and his partner Ciera; grandson Kaleb Kile; sisters-in-law Kim Grick (Alan) and Kathy Kile (Phil); brother-in-law Jim Kile and wife Lisa; nephews Jim and Nicholas Kile; and niece Jainaba Jobe; and a multitude of friends.

She was preceded in death by her Uncle Jim Strong and Aunt Carol Strong.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Countryside Community Church, 14011 Orchard Drive, Newton Township. Friends and family may pay their respects at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Harding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Countryside Community Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, Clarks Summit.