August 25, 1927 – February 16, 2026
Olean- Estella M. Pockalny Olkosky Wood, formerly of Portville, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Absolut of Allegany, with loving family by her side.
Born in Portville, August 25, 1927, the daughter of the late John and Mary Krzywy Pockalny. On July 2, 1949, at the Transfiguration Church in Olean, she married Joseph A. Olkosky, who passed away on March 6, 1985. On September 16, 2006, at the Sacred Heart Church in Portville, she married Keith L. Wood, who passed away on April 3, 2021.
Stella worked at Acme Electric Corp. in Allegany for 30 years. She was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Church in Portville. She loved to spend time with her family.
Stella was affectionately known as “Gramcracker”, a nickname given to her by her granddaughter Jessica.
In 2025, she proudly attended and celebrated her 80th high school reunion and was honored to be the oldest living alumna of Portville Central School.
Her school days started at the Bedford Corners Schoolhouse on the Portville-Obi Road. Sharing many memories of her school days and growing up on the family farm provided a sparkle in her eyes that she proudly shared with those around her.
Stella is survived by a daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Terry) Covert; a granddaughter, Jessica (Joseph) Bordoy of Canandaigua; and great-grandchildren, Chase, Logan, Brennan, and Evalina; a special niece Kathy Baldwin as well as several other nieces and nephews that she lovingly cherished.
She was predeceased by her husbands, Joseph and Keith; her parents, John and Mary; her sons, Stephen and Billy Joe Olkosky; and seven sisters, Caroline Fairbanks, Julie Pettit, Rose Olkosky, Helen Little, Anna Balacki, Katherine Smith, and Mary Carlson; and six brothers, Stephen, Michael, Andrew, Peter, Creighton, and Joseph.
Visitation will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. David Tourville celebrating—burial to follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.
In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
