Obituary of Julie Kopacz

Jule Ann Rose “Julie” Kopacz, 71, of Pittston, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023 in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late Patrick and Helene Potera McGraw. Julie was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1970. She was employed for 32 years as a nurse’s aide at the White Haven Center. Julie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her brother, Raymond McGraw. Julie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Wayne Kopacz; children, Lori Ryder and her husband, Michael, Pittston and Wayne Kopacz Jr., Avoca; grandchildren, Kyra Kopacz, Nathan Ryder, Kaitlyn Kopacz and Evan Ryder; brothers, Patrick McGraw Jr., MD, Joseph McGraw and his wife, Terri, Mountain Top; sister, Kathleen Murray and her husband, Bruce, Plains; sister-in-law, Maria McGraw, Wilkes-Barre; several nieces and nephews and her beloved cats, Cody and Princess. A celebration of Julie’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends from 3-5 pm on Friday at the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Services will be held at 5 pm. Rev. Joseph Kearney will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julie’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-0059. Condolences may be sent by visiting Julie’s obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.