Erma (Kern) Pochiba

Erma Kern Pochiba, 89 of Canonsburg, passed away on June 3, 2016 in Paramount Assisted Living, Peters Township.

She was born November 17, 1926 in Strabane, a daughter of the late Anton and Julia Lipec Kern (Kiren).

In her early years, Erma was employed by the W.S. George Pottery Co. in Canonsburg.  She was a member of St. Patrick Parish and the Christian Mothers and Guild.

She enjoyed cake decorating, baking and cooking, especially the Slovenian recipes of her parent’s homeland, which she has passed on to her granddaughters.  Her specialties were krofe and Slovenian goulash.  All who came to her house never left hungry, as she was eager to share the culinary treats that seemed to always come out of the oven or stove.  One of her favorite hobbies was playing the button box accordion, which she started to study in her mid sixties.  She was one of the original Button Box Bubbas that participated in the annual July 4th parade in Canonsburg.

Mrs. Pochiba celebrated 67 years of marriage to the late Frank Pochiba, who died on November 24, 2013.  They were married in St. Patrick Church on November 23, 1946.

Surviving are son, Barry (Rose) Pochiba; daughters, Patricia Rubic, and Loretta (the late Benzy) Rathbone; grandchildren, Brian (Elizabeth) Pochiba, Jessica Rathbone (Giovani) Davila, Emily Rathbone; and great-grandchildren, Seth and Mira Pochiba.  Also surviving are a brother, Anthony Kern and a sister, Julia Dolinar.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, husband, and son-in-law, is a brother, Conrad Kern.

Friends are welcome from 10:00-11:30 AM on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, Lin Webb funeral director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg 724-745-8120 where departing prayers will begin at 11:30 AM on Tuesday.  A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 12 Noon at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg.  Interment will follow at 1:30 PM in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp.

The Christian Mothers and Guild will recite the Rosary at 10:00 AM Tuesday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Erma Pochiba to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.