Obituary of Pauline C. Kortvelyesy

Pauline C. Kortvelyesy passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in the comfort of her home in Rockaway Township. She had shared 76 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and amazing memories with family and friends. 

Born at home on a snowy day in Garfield, Pauline was one of six children to bless the Trabalka household. She attended and graduated from Pope Pius XXI in Passaic, Class of 1962 where she placed 2nd in their very own beauty contest. In the late 1950’s, she met the love of her life and future husband, George Kortvelyesy. Pauline and George were married on May 10, 1964, shortly settled into the Indian Lake community in Denville and grew into a family of four. Pauline was born to be a Mom, and she was phenomenal at it. When her girls were growing up, they never wanted for anything; especially friends to play with. Pauline ran an in-home daycare at her house where she was Mom, caregiver, nurse, playmate, and friend for so many children throughout the years. Always putting others before herself even from a young age, she often worked at the family butcher shop and grocery store as a child. The skills that she acquired there continued and grew throughout her life. She was an outstanding cook and often used fresh fruits and vegetables from her bountiful garden. For many occasions, such as softball and “King & Queen” of Indian Lake picnics, Pauline herself was the caterer! Her guilty pleasures were suspenseful movies, game show network, arts & crafts, reading, and most importantly, the lottery and bingo scratch offs! Above anything else, she relished in spending time with her grandchildren; they were her biggest pride and joy. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband of 56 years, George, her parents, Stephen and Anna, and her siblings, Emily and Robert “Bobby” Trabalka.

She leaves many joyful memories to her adored daughters, Darlene (Bruce Kropp) Kortvelyesy and Michelle (David) Skelly; her cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth and Tyler Skelly; her loving sisters, Mary Ann (Bill) Carlson, Theresa (Chet) Zarzycki, Helen (John) Riggins; her faithful kitty, Hannah; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 9th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery, Denville. Public Walkthrough Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 8th from 3 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemof.org to The American Lung Association. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Pauline here to continue to celebrate the extraordinary life she endowed to us.