Elsie Kozel Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Elsie V. Kozel, 92, of Ghent, NY, passed away Friday, August 27, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was lovingly referred to as ”Goggie” by her family and friends. Born August 4, 1929, in NYC, she was the only child of the late Gustav and Anna (Carlson) Johnson of Germantown, NY. Elsie graduated from Germantown High School and then the Austin Beauty School in Albany NY. Upon graduating, she commuted by train to her workplace in Albany specializing in hair coloring. On January 21, 1951, Elsie married Frank Kozel of Ghent NY. They were married for 64 years until his death in 2015. After moving to Ghent to raise a family, she owned and operated Elsie’s Beauty Spot until she began working at Kozel’s Restaurant on a a full-time basis. The couple worked together for over 60 years building the business. Elsie always greeted her customers and their families with a big smile and developed many great friendships over the years. Elsie loved to travel with Frank, her children, and friends. Her trips included Europe, especially Sweden, Australia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii as well as the continental USA. She was also active in the community. Volunteering for the American Cancer Society, selling daffodils, creating the Buck Bar Campaign, and supported many of their community outreach programs. Over the years, Elsie and her family had many pets including dogs, cats, sheep, ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens, horses, and a donkey. She always treated them as part of her extended family. During her final years, her beloved dog Whizzy, was more like a son then a pet. Elsie’s artistic endeavors included needlepoint and making stained glass but crocheting blankets for family, friends, customers, and various charities was her passion. One year, she crocheted over fifty afghan blankets. Elsie was very supportive of her children; their education and encouraged them to “participate” was a value instilled in each of them. She was an active participant in the Fresh Air Fund, hosting numerous children as well as hosting several foreign exchange students. She was elected to the Hudson City School District Board of Education and served as its President in 1972. An advocate for growth and development she was instrumental in the design and building of Hudson High School. Family traditions and celebrating holidays were very important to her. Elsie was proud of her Swedish heritage and followed its’ Christmas Eve tradition of preparing and serving smorgasbords to her family and friends. She was an excellent baker of Swedish coffee bread and cookies. Elsie’s green thumb yielded seasons of flowers, including gladiolas that were always on display in the restaurant. Her fresh pickle recipe that she made for the business is still a coveted secret. She would proudly say her greatest accomplishment was her family of five children and what they have become today. She is survived by daughter Linda (Brian) O’Reilly, son Edward (Gus) (Helen)Kozel, daughter Joanne (Martin) Feinberg, son David (Ellen) Kozel and daughter Suzanne (James) Rajczi; grandchildren Heidi Sansone, Nikolas (Rob) Kozel, Joshua (Erin) Kozel, Jordana Kozel, Jason Kozel, Randi Markle (Phil) Nazario, Geoffrey Feinberg, and great-grandchildren Amya and Avery Nazario. Also surviving are her sister-in-law Patricia Cebry, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Calling hours are Tuesday at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond& Keller Funeral Home. 4:00 to 8:00 pm Services will be conducted at 11:00 am Wednesday at the Funeral home. Burial will be in Viewmont Rural Cemetery in Germantown NY. The family would like to extend their gratitude to her caregivers, Beverly, Lisa, Debbie, Pam and Katie, who took care of her at home in her final years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson NY 12534, or a charity of your choice.

Elsie Kozel

August 4, 1929 - August 27, 2021

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

Elsie Kozel

August 4, 1929 - August 27, 2021

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

365 Days of Grief Support