March 8, 1928 – March 8, 2025
Allegany- Louise F. Kolkowski “Gowie” a former longtime resident of N. 15th St. in Olean passed away Saturday (March 8, 2025) on her 97th birthday with her family by her side.
She was born March 8, 1928, in Salamanca, NY, the daughter of Charles and Julia (Speroni) Sartori. On April 18, 1970 in Salamanca, she married John P. “Bail” Kolkowski who died January 1, 1991.
Louise, affectionately known as “Gowie” by her family, attended St. Patrick’s Parochial School in Salamanca and was a 1946 graduate of Salamanca High School. She worked for Clark Brothers prior to her time as a longtime telephone operator for NY Telephone Co, retiring in 1982. She was also a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Louise was a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and served as a volunteer for the bereavement luncheons. She formerly was active in the Olean and Salamanca bowling leagues.
She enjoyed reading and making trips to the casino, and spending time with her great-grandchildren. Her kitchen was always open to family, friends, neighbors, and numerous St. Bonaventure students over the years. Family members include three children Gloria (John) Artlip of Olean, John (Julie) Kolkowski of Allegany and “JJ” James (Debbie) Kolkowski of Olean; 6 grandchildren Melanie (Tony) Giamanco, Ryan (Kara) Artlip, Lindsey (Joel) Nicholas, twins David (Lindsey) Kolkowski and John (Katie) Kolkowski, and Alex (Brianna) Dougherty; 13 great grandchildren James Giamanco, Julian Giamanco, Kendall Artlip, Olivia Artlip, Amelia Artlip, Reagan Artlip, John Kolkowski, Carter Kolkowski, Owen Kolkowski, Crew Kolkowski, Rylan Dougherty, Lincoln Dougherty and Devon Nicholas, as well as her Westminster Prize Winning great grand-dog Louise Nicholas.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from both the Sartori and Kolkowski families.
She is predeceased by her husband and 4 brothers John, Louis, James, and Joseph Sartori; 3 sisters Mac Metzler, Rose Seitz and her twin Theresa Piscitelli; and several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to the staff at Absolut Care Facility for their love and kindness in the last 2 years of her life. Friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday ( March 22, 2025) at 12:30 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church, 119 West Henley Street, Olean, NY, celebrated by Pastor Chris Emminger. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
