Jan 25, 2025
Shirley A. Kota
Shirley A. Kota, 90, of Gowanda passed away surrounded by family Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Born at home in Leon on a surprisingly blustery day Oct. 29, 1934 one of nine children born to Elliott and Mary Catherine (Wells) Ellis.
Shirley married Edward Kota on Nov. 19, 1955 at St. Joseph’s RC Church. Their impromptu meeting occurred after Shirley experienced car trouble and Ed was there to her rescue. Together they had two daughters and spent nearly 70 years as husband and wife with Gowanda being home.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she believed in the power of prayer and was a constant fixture for Sunday Mass’ at St. Joseph’s . An independent women, Shirley received her Bachelor of Science degree at the age of 50. A NYS retiree, Shirley retired from the Lakeview Shock Camp; a NYS Department of Correctional Facility in Brocton, NY. She was a Drug and Alcohol Counselor that brought her motherly instinct to a lot of the younger inmates letting them know she believed in second chances . Prior to working for NYS, Shirley worked at the former Vogtli Gravel Company and the former Kendall Oil Refinery as a bookkeeper, and both of Gowanda .
Survivors include her husband Edward Kota; daughters Debra (late Jim) DiBlasi of Lawton’s, and Terrie (Donald) DeHos of Gowanda. Grandchildren Stephanie (Tyler) Sullivan, Lindsey (Jared) Elliott, Christina (Andrew) Dotterweich, and Shawn DeHos; great-grandchildren, Kailea, Isabella, Madison, Hazel, James and Olivia. Siblings Nancy (Ron) Rudny of Jamestown, Jerry (late Cheryl) Ellis of Forestville, Theresa (late Jack) Frost of South Dayton along with several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and son in-law, Shirley was preceded in death by brothers Elliott, John, Gordon, Doug, and Lawrence “Butch” Ellis.
Memorials, if desired, may be sent to St. Joseph’s RC Church 26 Erie Ave., Gowanda, NY 14070.
Friends may call at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at 11 am from the St. Joseph’s RC Church East Main Street, Gowanda. (please assemble at church). Interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery Gowanda.
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