Dorothy Jeanne Kovalchuk (Serventi), 97

Dorothy Jeanne Kovalchuk (Serventi), 97, passed away July 13, 2025, in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was born Oct. 31, 1927, in Tarentum, Pa., the only child of Geno Serventi and Jean Serventi (Anderson).

Originally from Monessen, Pa., Dorothy graduated from Monessen High School in 1945. While in school she sang in the school’s operettas and for many local events. She was known for her beautiful soprano voice which she developed at an early age singing and harmonizing with her parents as her mother played the piano. Dorothy briefly attended the University of Cincinnati — Conservatory of Music. Music and singing could always be heard when coming into her home.

On June 6, 1949, Dorothy married Thomas Kovalchuk at then St. Cajetan’s Roman Catholic Church. To commemorate the first marriage ceremony in the newly built church their names were placed in the cornerstone.

As a resident and homemaker while in Monessen, Dorothy was very active in the community and had many friends. She instilled the value of family and friends to her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed bridge club and 500 card club with a few of her longtime friends. When not playing cards, Dorothy could be seen basking in the sun with her children at the Monessen Elks Club swimming pool. She was an avid bird watcher and made sure the nesting boxes were ready for the next season of chickadees and wrens. Dorothy was an animal lover, adopting many pets throughout her life. Her husband used to tease her and say he wanted to come back as a pet in her home. 

In 2021, Dorothy moved to Sandpoint to live with her daughter. She enjoyed gardening, and of course bird watching with a whole new list of birds. Her first moose was spotted outside of the house next to the garage door to which she remarked, “They’re not very pretty.” Dorothy enjoyed participating in weekly activities at the Sandpoint Area Seniors center. In 2023 Dorothy was excited to be here to see the birth of her first great-grandson.

Many family members survive on both East and West coasts: daughter Carol Kovalchuk; son Kenneth (Rebecca) Kovalchuk; daughter-in-law Patricia (Tom) Kovalchuk; grandchildren Max (Bella Martinez) Kovalchuk, Matthew Kovalchuk, Tommy Kovalchuk, Susan (Ugis) Svazs, Elizabeth Kovalchuk, Kenny (Brazee) Kovalchuk and Mary (Gavin) Klein; and great-grandchild Solomon Svazs. She also has many nephews and nieces whom she loved.

Predeceased members of her immediate family were her mother and father, her husband, Tom, and son Tom.

The family will hold a celebration of life in August.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial donations be made to either

Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc. (SASi), 820 Main St., Sandpoint ID 83864, sandpointareaseniors.org; or to Bonner General Health Community Hospice, 520 N. Third Ave., Sandpoint ID 83864; Hospice — Bonner General Health.

The family would like to thank Bonner General Health, Bonner General Health Community Hospice and Life Care Center of Sandpoint for the excellent care and compassion given to Dorothy

Family and friends are invited to sign Dorothy’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.