Lucille Kozowski

LUCILLE ANNA KOZOWSKI Lucille A. Kozowski, 91, a life long resident of Long Beach, died in Astoria on September 4, 2012. Her passing came within hours of the death of her longtime best friend Bessie Braschuk. The daughter of George and Pauline (Gronettt) Phelps, she was born November 5, 1920 in Long Beach where she attended elementary school. She graduated from Ilwaco High School with the class of 1939 and has an honor student and active participant in several sports including basketball at which she excelled. Following high school Lucille moved to Portland where she initially was employed as a postal telegraph operator. With the outbreak of the war she became a coding operator for the US Army, a post she held until hostilities ceased. She married Lawrence Kozowski on August 3, 1946 in Portland. He was a 24 year US Air Force officer and during his career they lived in various locations including California, Idaho, Montana, Texas, Virginia and Germany. Following retirement in 1969 the couple returned to Long Beach. Lucille was baptized in and a member of Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church where she served in several capacities as she did while a member of Charles B. Strauhal VFW Post #3721 Auxiliary, Wauna Council of Pocahontas and Ocean Beach Rebekahs. In past years Lucille served as a Cub Scout den mother where she was an excellent role rode. Lucille is survived by her son George (Bonnie) Kozowski of Long Beach; nephews Gary and Larry Phelps; and other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence in 1993. Memorial service will be Monday, September 24, 2012, 1:00 PM at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview with a reception following at the church. Private committal will be at Ilwaco Cemetery. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.