Published: July 06, 2009 04:41 pm      

Kathleen Philliber Nikolishen

NIKOLISHEN –  Kathleen Philliber, 65, Ebensburg, died peacefully at home July 6, 2009. She was born Jan. 22, 1944, in Punxsutawney, the eldest daughter of Betty Kathryn (Hoffman) Philliber and the late Robert Spencer Philliber. A 1962 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, she received a bachelor of science degree in consumer services in broadcasting from the Pennsylvania State University in 1966. She married Richard John Nikolishen in September 1968. Her career in journalism began in Lebanon and took her to Punxsutawney, Erie and eventually Ebensburg, where she retired in 2002 as the editor of Mountaineer-Herald. Mrs. Nikolishen was an avid reader and genealogist and served on the board of Ebensburg Cambria Public Library, as well as the board of Cambria County Historical Society. Her personal library is extensive and reflects both her love of history and her love of cooking. She enjoyed needlework and knitting and delighted in visiting with her grandchildren. Although a Punxsy girl at heart, she grew extremely fond of this town in “these high hills” where she and her husband raised their family. Mrs. Nikolishen was preceded in death by her father, Robert S. Philliber. She is survived by her husband, Richard J. Nikolishen, Ebensburg; their four children:  Johanna Kate, wife of Christopher Garrity, Philadelphia; Robert A. Nikolishen, married to the former Jeannine Clawson, Ebensburg;  Laura Nan, wife of Matt McGinty, Downingtown; and Richard P. Nikolishen, Indiana; and three grandchildren: Alek Ignatius Nikolishen, Olivia Grace McGinty and Margaret Kathleen Garrity. She also is survived by her mother, Betty Hoffman Philliber; her sister, Kristeen Philliber; and her brother, Harry A. “Butch” Philliber. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg, where a   funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Pastor Nadine Kinkead, officiating. Interment will be at Circle Hill Cemetery, Punxsutawney. Contributions in her memory can be made to Ebensburg Cambria Public Library, Cambria County Historical Society or Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association.