Jill was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Popovich. Jill was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her sister, Jeanette Kisty; and her grandson, Eric Kovatch.
After spending her first 51 years in New Jersey, she and Larry moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After Larry’s death, Jill continued to live in Fort Lauderdale until she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia in 2004. While residing in Florida, Jill volunteered for many years at Memorial Regional Hospital. She also enjoyed her time traveling with her sisters, visiting many different countries and cities. Jill enjoyed the many friends she made while living at Branchlands, and although separated by distance, Jill was always close to her sisters and their families. Jill was a devout Catholic who attended daily mass at The Church of the Incarnation. In 2012, Jill moved to Our Lady of Peace Assisted Living.
Jill is survived by her daughter, Nancy Lynn Kovatch and her husband, Richard Kovatch, of Charlottesville, Virginia. She is also survived by her two sisters, Elsie Kurtz, 95, of Watchung, New Jersey, and Helen Kitz, 93, of Carteret, New Jersey; her grandson, Ricky Kovatch and his wife, Shona, and their sons, Kieran and Callan, of Columbus, Ohio; her granddaughter, Lauren Long and her husband, Brian, and their two children, Caelee and Bryson of McGaheysville, Virginia. Jill always cherished the time that she had with her great grandchildren. With their exuberance and energy, they brightened her day and put a sparkle in her eyes.
Jill’s family would like to thank everyone at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Center for the wonderful care, exceptional support, compassion, and kindness that they provided her for the last year and a half. They would also like to thank Hospice of the Piedmont for the care they provide over the last three months.
A funeral mass was held at The Church of the Incarnation on Friday, September 21, 2018, at 10 a.m. A private interment will be held at a later date at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jill’s name can be made to The Church of the Incarnation, 1465 Incarnation Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
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