Norene Agnes Pozniak, 84, passed away on May 21, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Norene was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Earhardt and Rose Marie Vogel. After marrying her husband, Raymond Pozniak, to whom she was married for 46 years, she moved to State College, Pennsylvania where she created her life and a loving home for her family.
Everyone who knew Norene would agree she was an extraordinary woman. She worked for Mount Nittany Hospital in State College for 28 years, while also acting as a full-time caregiver to her husband and raising five children; this took a tremendous amount of fortitude, and Norene had it. She never stopped tending to other people’s needs. She was always ready to visit friends and colleagues who needed comfort or support.
Norene loved people. She was happiest when her house was filled with the bustle of family, friends, and loved ones. Everyone was always welcome. She loved organizing spirited Penn State tailgates and, in her later years, watched every single Penn State football game on TV, often critiquing the play-calling. She cherished long walks with her best friend, Cheryl, doing crossword puzzles, sitting on her porch in the sun, listening to 1950s music, and most importantly, attending her grandchildrens’ sporting events. One of her favorite memories was when she traveled to Ireland for her 60th birthday with her sister, Rosie.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, and siblings, Ronald Vogel, Cletus Vogel, and Sr. Rose Marie Vogel. She leaves behind her five children: Michael Pozniak of Baltimore, MD; Stephen Pozniak of Baltimore MD; Colleen Mitchem and husband Don Mitchem of Charlottesville, VA; John Pozniak and wife Tessa of Mechanicsburg, PA; and Nathaniel Pozniak and wife Irene of State College, PA. She also leaves behind her four beloved grandchildren: Abigail, Helena, Nicholas, and Gabriel.
A memorial gathering celebrating Norene’s life will be held soon with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at nationalmssociety.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.