Anita Marie Kozak

ANITA MARIE (CHMURA) KOZAK September 17, 1941 - June 29, 2020 Anita was born in Buffalo, NY to Mary and Frank Chmura and raised in Cheektowaga, NY. She graduated from Depew High School, Class of 1959 and on October 24, 1959 married Joseph Kozak. In November 1962, Anita and Joe along with Frank moved to Las Vegas, NV and were followed the following June by Mary and Peggy, Anita's sister. Anita attended Nevada Southern University, aka UNLV, and received a degree in Psychology and would eventually work as a social worker for the state of Nevada. In April 1970, Anita and Joe moved to Southern California where Joe had joined Ingram Paper Co as a sales rep. Anita and Joe lived in Yorba Linda CA, until 1977, when they bought a house in Orange. This would become the hub of the family and there would eventually be many gatherings including co-workers, friends from the Pope John Paul II Polish Center and more. Anita would ultimately get to travel to Japan in 1981, to Poland in 1990 and took many cruises with Joe including Alaska twice, the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and the Panama Canal 3 times, both ways. Her favorite place to visit was Kauai Hawaii, where she knew that Joe could relax and they would have a great time exploring the island together. In 1984, Anita and Joe Celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows at the Polish center and a huge reception to celebrate afterward. The Polish Center had become a huge blessing to her, and Anita and Joe would be part of the founding families there. Anita chaired several Dozynki's including the first few that were held at the official new Polish Center on the current grounds in Yorba Linda and she was also very active in the Lady's guild and helped to run several luaus and rummage sales. In 2005, Anita and Joe decided to downsize and moved to a 55 and over community just outside Corona CA, Trilogy at Glen Ivy. They made many new friends and enjoyed the retired life, including community parties and canyon sponsored block parties. In 2009, they were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at the Polish Center with a small reception following at the club house at the Trilogy golf course. They traveled when they could and kept busy with many church activities and community activities in their neighborhood. Anita passed away in her sleep from side effects of heart disease peacefully on June 29, 2020. Anita is survived by her husband of 61 years Joe, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Terri Kozak of Buffalo NY, many cousins in the Buffalo area as well as nieces and nephews, including Dina, Kyrie, Hunter, Michael, Darlene, Kurt, Roxanne and Sally and great nieces and nephews. Besides traveling to Kauai and cruising, her two favorite pastimes, Anita was an avid reader and loved going to the movies. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, aunt and godmother and for her kind and giving heart and friendly nature. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be sent to the National Football Foundation Orange County Chapter PO BOX 18985, Anaheim Hills CA 92817. Memorial Pope John Paul II Polish Center 3999 Rose Dr. Yorba Linda , CA 92886 (714) 996-8161 | Due to COVID 19 restrictions we are having to postpone memorial services for Anita. We will update as soon as possible.