Hannah Ruth Starkowicz, known as "Sissie" to family and friends, passed away February 27, 2021, after a long and full life. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, on February 8, 1927, Sissie was the fifth of eight children born to John and Hannah Crawford. In 1947, she married Stanley Paul Starkowicz and began her life as a military spouse, living in various locations including Japan and France. During this time she raised her two daughter, Linda and Amy, and settled permanently in El Paso, Texas, in 1963.
Sissie enjoyed traveling, making annual trips to Pittsburgh and Florida to spend time with family. She kept fond memories of her time traveling around the U.S., her trip to Costa Rica, and her tour to her ancestral homeland, Ireland.
Sissie also loved holidays, celebrations, or any excuse to enjoy a gathering with family, friends, and good drinks. She was an avid reader, preferring mysteries and old Hollywood biographies. Among her other loves were country music, especially Willie Nelson; watching Judge Judy and British PBS shows; Grover; Coors Beer; carnations; and the smell of violets. She took pride in finding the best bargains on quality items during her shopping outings and took great care to find just the right gift for each person. She always left the house looking her best, often in her favorite color, purple.
It was evident that what Sissie seemed to truly love was being a grandmother and great-grandmother. All of her grandchildren and each of her great-grandchildren will carry with them specific memories of holiday cards, gifts, favorite meals, inside jokes, and countless conversations that made each of them feel special, cared for, and loved. She also took on the role of grandmother to many of those around her who may not have been her grandchildren by blood, but certainly were thought of as such in her heart and feelings toward them. It can safely be said that those who were fortunate enough to be relatives, friends, or acquaintances of Sissie will miss her dearly, but have the solace of knowing that she lived her life to the fullest and that a piece of her will always be with them.
Sissie is survived by her daughter Linda Pedregon (Samuel) and daughter Amy Starkowicz. Sissie is also survived by her Grandchildren: Darlene Pedregon-Thornfelt (Robert); Sarah Pedregon; Jason Pedregon (Amanda); Great-Grandchildren: Samantha Thornfelt; Alexandra Thornfelt; and Samuel Pedregon; Sisters: Kathleen Loper and Margaret Coleman (Thomas); Brother-in-Law: Hans Klecker, along with 20 nieces and nephews.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Starkowicz family.
