Josephine Goskowski

Josephine "Josie" Goskowski, 93, of Forest City, died peacefully Wednesday morning October 20th, at home surrounded by her family. Her husband, Michael Goskowski, passed away in 2012.

Born in Richmondale, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Bochniak Kazmer, she was a member of Ascension Parish in Forest City. Upon graduation, she took a job as a sewing machine operator for Textron (Ames Shower Curtain) in Forest City. That is where she met the love of her life and they were married in 1950.

She and Mike obtained a restaurant business shortly thereafter. She then left her machine job to run the Hillside Café, as her husband continued his work at Ames during the day and helped her into the evening hours. Josie was a wonderful cook and with the help of family members, the Hillside became a very prominent spot to eat. In between their hard work, they had their first child, Karen, in 1958. A few years later, they sold the business and were able to have their second child, Tricia, in 1968.

By 1975, her husband and her decided that he would leave Ames and go into their own shower curtain business. Josie, again, was by Mike's side and they started Kartri Sales Company, named after their two daughters. As Mike built the sales, Josie spent time teaching machine operators and running production. Many learned from her as she had a knack for the center seam and hemming machines. As time went on the business grew and Karen and Tricia got more involved and are now co-owners running the company. Josie and Mike spent time traveling together to hospitality shows and customer meetings. Everyone always knew why Mike dressed so nice and that was because Josie dressed him! As they both semi-retired, they spent more time with their grandchildren. When Mike died in 2012, it was very hard for Josie because they were always together and did everything together. But Josie spent time cooking and being with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, loving and inspiring mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Polednak and companion, Michael Kavulich, Forest City; her daughter, Tricia Kubus and husband, George, Mayfield; and her brother, Ed Kazmer and wife Judy, Allentown; her grandchildren, Jessica Polednak, Grace Kubus and Josh Kubus; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathryn Franceski; her brother, Frank Kazmer; and her granddaughter, Amanda Kubus.

The funeral will be Monday, October 25th from the Jones and Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main St., Forest City with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Ascension Parish at St. Joseph's Church, Delaware Street, Forest City. Interment, Sacred Heart Cemetery, Forest City. Friends may call Monday morning from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to granddaughter, Jessica Polednak at online.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/goto/jessicapolednak or Cherubs Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Donate Now – CDH International (cdhawarenessshop.org)

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