Eternal Memory: + Pani Sharon Holowaty

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

JOHNSTOWN, PA [Diocesan Chancery] --  With profound sadness, yet in the hope of the Resurrection, the Diocesan Chancery announces that + Pani Sharon (Maydak) Holowaty peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Schererville, Indiana.

Pani Sharon was born on August 6, 1965, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to the late Andrew and Mary Ann Maydak She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents John and Mary Ann Jovan; and paternal grandparents Andrew and Anna Maydak; aunts Gloria, Shirley, and Barbara.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Very Reverend Father Lev Holowaty, and cherished son, Andrew, from Schererville, IN. She is also survived by sister Paula (Maydak) Grumbling and husband, Aaron, along with their children Adam (wife Lauren), Aidan (wife Jodee), and Adriana (Chica) of Harrisburg, PA.; sister Nadine (Maydak) Kiser and husband Robert, along with their sons Robert, Kevin, and David of Johnstown, PA.; Godchild Elaine (Leer) Wyborski and husband Adam of Florida; and her Aunt Janet (Jovan) Rummel; cousins Liana, Lori, Nancy, and John; and in laws Oleg (wife Diane) Holowaty and Irene (husband Andrew) Hudock.

Pani Sharon graduated from Richland High School, where she shared her musical talent playing the violin in the school orchestra. She went on to study Business Administration at Central Penn College in Harrisburg. Her professional background included work in administration and safety management at Lee Hospital in Johnstown, as well as administration at Blair Hospital in Huntingdon, PA.

Pani Sharon’s life took on a special ministry when she became a priest’s wife. As “Pani Sharon,” she brought warmth, leadership, and deep devotion to each parish she and Fr. Lev served, including Descent of the Holy Spirt Parish in Schererville, IN, where they ministered together for over 25 years. Having been one of the earliest campers at Camp Nazareth, her lifelong devotion to the Church, the ACRY, Camp Nazareth, and the Ladies Altar Society remained central to her life. She joyfully taught Sunday School, served as Cantor during services, and was instrumental in organizing parish bake sales, cookie walks, and fish fry dinners.

She radiated love to everyone she met. She had a passion for baking, cooking, reading, and decorating for the holidays. Above all, she deeply loved her family, her Church, and her community.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 545 East 77th Avenue, Schererville, IN. followed by an 11:00 AM Parastas Service with Very Reverend Protopresbyter Fr. Samuel Sherry officiating.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, PA with committal to follow at the Cathedral Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday morning at the church from 9:00 AM until time of service.

"In Blessed Repose, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your newly-departed handmaiden +Pani Sharon and render eternal her memory.