Obituary of Denise M. Hlivia

Denise M. (McDermott) Hlivia, 73, of State College, passed away peacefully Friday evening, January 1, 2021 at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Denise began her dance on Earth when she was born June 20,1947, in Philadelphia. She was the daughter of the late William and Geraldine (Carmody) McDermott.

She graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School, met and then married her driver license examiner, Trooper John "Jack" Hlivia on December 14, 1968, who preceded her in death, February 28, 2016.

They traveled the state then moved to Hazleton and had four amazing children together: Joseph, Timothy, Meghan, and Erin and eventually settled in Drums.

After her husband passed, Denise moved to State College to be near her grandchildren. She cherished and adored them. They were the apples of her eye. She enjoyed keeping up with their sports and activities and looked forward to them walking to her house after school–because Grandmom always had the best snacks.

Denise had many interests and hobbies, especially reading and doing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed sitting on the beach all day sipping on plain old iced tea, taking long drives with her husband, shopping, and sniffing out the latest "deal". She had a vast collection of Santas and was proud to display them at Christmastime–her favorite holiday.

Denise would always want her children to let her know when they got home. She would say, "I'm still your mother no matter how old you get." Now, she will have an opportunity to say, "I'm on my way home and I'll be letting you know when I'm there."

So, Mom, now you can enjoy the next dance with Dad. We will forever love you, miss you, and cherish everything about you.

She is survived by her son Joseph and wife, Denise and their children Alex and Jordan of Pennsylvania Furnace; her son, Timothy of Trucksville; her daughter, Meghan and husband, Todd Kulka and their children, McKenna, Connor and Cole of State College; and her daughter, Erin and husband, Samuel Riddle of Schwenksville. Her siblings, Geraldine Masterson; William McDermott and wife, Patricia; Thomas McDermott and wife, Verna; brother-in-law, Darryl Frelich; sister-in-law Mary Polmounter and husband, Fred; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Denise was preceded in death by two sisters–Michelle McDermott Knott and Susan McDermott, brother-in-law Bud Masterson; and nephew Anthony Woosnam.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family in State College.

A small, public service will be held Friday, January 15, at 10 am at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 573 PA-93, Sugarloaf, PA 18249, with Father Rick Polmounter officiating.

Public burial will follow the service on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Most Precious Blood Cemetery in Hazleton (Cleveland and E. 7th St, Hazleton, PA 18201)

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate in Denise's name.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.