Martha M. Popchak Kovach, 80, of Erie died Thursday at St. Mary'sHome-East, Gallagher Center.

Born May 28, 1926, in Erie, she was the daughter of Walter and Martha Nagorski Popchak.

She worked as a telephone operator, and was a homemaker.

A member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, St. Stanislaus choir, and St. Stans Mom's Club, she also was a member of T.O.P.S. Club, and enjoyed the outdoors and music.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael A. Kovach, who died in 2005; a son-in-law, Alan VanShura; and a cousin, DorothyComand.

Surviving are four sons, Anthony Kovach and wife Sandra of Erie, Joseph Kovach and wife Kathy of Titusville, Tom Kovach and wife LynnMarie of Millcreek Township and ChristopherKovach of North East, Pa.; two daughters, Roseanne VanShura of Moon Township and Marie Vally and husband Don of North East. She also is survived by nine grandchildren, Stacy Angerer; Erin and Jason VanShura; Jon, Katie "Kate," Bethany, Zachary, and Rachel Kovach; and Dennis Vally.

<B>Kovach</B> — Friends of Martha M. Popchak Kovach, who died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>Edward J. Garr Funeral Home</B>, 459 E. 12th St., Erie, Pa., 16503.Services will be at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Monday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.To send condolences, please visit www.icgerie.com.