Obituaries

Clara Loria Kristofco

02/04/1920 - 03/24/2022

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Obituary For Clara Loria Kristofco

Clara Loria Kristofco February 4, 1920 - March 24, 2022

Clara Loria Kristofco, 102, Altoona, died March 24, 2022, ending more than a century of devotion to her family and her Catholic faith. A diminutive woman with an engaging personality and mischievous wit, she was born in Ebensburg, PA, the daughter of Felix and Angelina (Giraulo). A graduate of Central Cambria High School, she worked as a legal secretary before her marriage on June 15, 1943, to Edward G. Kristofco at Holy Name Church in Ebensburg. Together they shared 66 years of a marriage partnership, a model for their children before his death on March 31, 2009. From the family homestead on West Chestnut Avenue, Clara and Ed raised seven children and set them on the path to successful lives. Known in the neighborhood as “Mrs. K.,” she was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for nearly 70 years. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the Choir, Christian Mothers, and the Ladies Guild. A member of the “Rosary Warriors,” Clara was devoted to St. Padre Pio and lived by his message to the faithful: “Pray, hope and don’t worry.” Clara possessed an adventurous spirit, and especially enjoyed Sunday drives with Ed, travel to her parents’ birthplace of Faiano, province of Salerno, Italy; Florida, Alabama and, at age 91, California. Skilled in the homemaking arts, she enjoyed canning fruit and vegetables from family gardens, and delighted in her backyard flowers. Clara is survived by her children and their spouses: William Kristofco (Maureen) of Baltimore, MD; Rita Redden (Richard Redden, deceased) of Johnstown, PA; Robert Kristofco (Debby) of Birmingham, AL; Marian Van Dyke (Warren) of Scottsdale, AZ; Clare Kristofco (Paul K. Mueller) of Fuquay-Varina, NC; Michael Kristofco (Rosemary) of Altoona, PA; and Thomas Kristofco (Janet) of Hilton Head Island, SC; ten grandchildren: Colleen Hickson, Caitlin Sieracki, and Christopher and Kevin Kristofco; Dana Redden, Joe Kristofco, Adam Kristofco and Elizabeth Nash; and Lauren and Allison Kristofco; 13 great-grandchildren; and her sister Mary Modico of Altoona, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Sister Caroline Loria, Sanda Taylor, Alec Loria, Lucy Uncapher, Florence “Dolly” Heinrich, and an infant brother. Friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, PA, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with celebrant Fr. James Dugan. Interment will be held at Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg. To honor her life, memorial gifts may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Christian Mothers or to The Edward and Clara Kristofco Memorial Scholarship at Bishop Guilfoyle High School, Altoona, PA. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Funeral Directors

Joseph J. Stevens III

Matthew J. McConville

Christopher J. Feathers

David J. Mason