Obituary of Hilja Jean Watach

Hilja Jean Watach Age 96 of Elmira Heights, NY. She was born October 6, 1926 in Schreiber, Ontario, Canada, daughter of the late Emil and Hilma (Hakala) Sormunen and passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023 at home. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Michael in 1998 and her sister Bea Lizotte. She is also predeceased by her pets Kalie, Orphy, Miisha, Bootsie and Lucky. She is survived by her nephew Richard (Debbie) Lizotte of Canada; special buddy Sir Elliott; devoted niece Cathy Horan of Waverly; special nephew Michael Watach of Elmira; nephews James and Jack Watach of Elmira, William Bilynsky of FL and Michael Bilynsky of Elmira; niece Mary Daugherty of TX; cousin Elmi Wilson of SC; special friends Sharon Hadley and Pat Blair; special neighbor Lonnie Howell. Jean retired from Corning, Inc. after 20 years and was a communicant of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Friday, July 28th from 5 to 7 pm. Panikhida will be held at 6:45 pm. Her funeral service will be there on Saturday, July 29th at 10 am. Committal prayers and interment will follow in St. Nicholas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Jean through donations to the Chemung County SPCA, 2435 NY 352, Elmira, NY 14903 or the Horseheads Community Animal Shelter.150 Wygant Rd., Horseheads, NY 14845