Justine Popovich

Although many in her family did not think death capable of claiming her, Justine Popovich (nee Markovitch), of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 30, 2024 at age 97. Her final day was spent surrounded by family at her bedside.

Born on May 21, 1927 to Charles and Katherine Markovitch, she is preceded by them in death along with siblings Al, Mary, John, Irene, Steve, and Martha.

Justine was fiercely independent, strong-willed, observant, and never afraid to speak her mind. She was an avid sewer, making everything from clothes to curtains to doll furniture. Whether by plane or bus, she traveled well into her later years of life, visiting at least a half dozen countries and even more states. She was the host of family holidays until age 91, and a number of her siblings and grandchildren lived with her at various points in her life. Her unparalleled personality and spirit will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Justine was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church and spent decades as one of their pierogi ladies. She graduated from the Morse School in South Side and went on to work for The Galbreath Co at the US Steel Building in South Side for over thirty years.

She is survived by daughters Linda (Terrance†) Hoover, Karen (Jon) Hasenkopf, and Sandra (Michael) Mascio, grandchildren Joseph Hasenkopf, Sean (Ann) Hoover, Justin (Kristen) Hoover, Maria Mascio, Peter Mascio, and Daniel (Hannah) Mascio, and great-grandchildren Caitlyn Hasenkopf, Carly Hoover, and Myles Hoover.

Visitation hours are Thursday, January 2, from 2-8 PM at the John J Gmiter Funeral Home located at 119 S 15th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203. A blessing will take place at 6:00. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 3, at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church at 109 S 7th St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church.

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