Ethel "June" Kolessar

Ethel “June” Kolessar, age 96, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 6, 1928. She lived in two centuries, born into a generation that had no cell phones, internet, streaming services, medical portals or other advanced technologies.

Her parents were Ethel and Frank Kazmerchak. She had two siblings, a sister, Olive, and brother, Earl. June lived most of her life in Northeast Philadelphia and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1946. Following graduation, she started working for the Bell Telephone company as a switchboard operator. She worked there for 10 years until 1956. During this time and for the rest of her life she proudly called herself one of the “Bell Girls.” These women thought of themselves as an elite group tasked with important responsibilities for what was called telecommunications in the 1940’s.

June married Donald Kolessar in 1953 after his discharge from the Army. Daughter, Joy and son, Ken, were born several years later. June went back to work in 1974 for the Verizon Telephone company in Center City Philadelphia as a bookkeeper in the Engineering Department.

June retired in 1991. Retirement consisted of several special vacations, a few medical problems and more time with her favorite activities. June especially enjoyed baking, making birthday cards, Sudoku, watching old movies, and going out to lunch. She loved sports, baseball and football (especially Aaron Rodgers). Other activities included: Weekly Bible Study, “adventuring” day trips with Midge and family, bus trips, shopping at Boscovs, bowling, and water classes.

June will always be remembered for her faith and her servant heart. Family was important to her, and she made every effort to instill her values to her children. Friends were also important to her. She was a good listener and advocate for Christian values in helping people make decisions. The dove was her “logo” and represented her relationship with her Lord. The visual of the dove ascending to heaven was a comfort in her final months. We are at peace knowing that she now rests in heaven with Jesus.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, from 8:30AM - 9:30AM, followed by the funeral service at 9:30AM. Please enter at the top of the hill on Byberry Road - be mindful as to not enter through any of the specified cemetery entrances. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can made in June's name to:

St Stephens Memorial Fund: 65 East Street Road, Feasterville PA, 19053

Artman Lutheran Benevolent Fund: 250 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA, 19002