Josephine Mrkonja

John 16:22 - So also, you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. Josephine “Despina” Mrkonja, 80, of Ambridge, passed away at Forbes Hospital on March 6, 2025, following complications from a recent illness.

Born August 9, 1944, in Sewickley Hospital to Michael and Lillie Aspiotes, she was a 1962 graduate of Ambridge Area High School. After attending the Beaver Falls Beauty Academy, she had a successful career as a beautician before becoming a full-time homemaker. She was proud of her Greek heritage and loved her family fiercely. You were only a stranger once, and she could brew a pot of coffee and assemble a plate of food in record time if she knew you were stopping by her home. She was a classroom volunteer for both of her daughters during their education and an active member of their parent teacher organizations. Her beautiful smile and sharp wit will forever stay with everyone who knew her. 

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 57 years, John Mrkonja; daughters Angel (Shawn) Ross and Christina (Nicholas) Sheleheda; grandsons Nico Sheleheda and John Ross, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents and all of her beloved siblings; her twin, James; brothers Gus, Louis and John, and sisters Mary, Effie, Frieda and Rena. Josephine had a zest for life but anticipated the day that she would be reunited with her loved ones in eternity.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 9 from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Family and friends will gather for a funeral service on Monday, March 10 at 10:00 AM in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2930 Beaver Road, Ambridge.  Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery.

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