Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Please select what you would like included for printing:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Walburga "Wally"
V. Koval
March 27, 1929 – February 16, 2026
Walburga V. "Wally" (Lenze) Koval, 96, of Canton, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Williamsport Home, while surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 27, 1929, in St. Mary's, PA, Walburga Veronica was one of thirteen children of the late Albert and Ann (Hubabager) Lenze. Known affectionately as Wally to nearly everyone, she was the devoted wife of the late Frank Koval. Together they shared 29 years of loving marriage until his passing in 2006.
Wally was employed for many years by the former Swayze's Folding Box Co. in Canton until her retirement.
She was an active member of her community, belonging to the Canton American Legion Auxiliary Post 303, the Canton VFW Auxiliary Post 714, where she served as second vice president, and in earlier years participated in the Minnequa Grange. She was also a faithful and dedicated member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, where she was active in their Altar Rosary Society.
A gifted seamstress and quilter, Wally created beautiful pieces that earned her numerous awards throughout the area. She found joy tending to her vegetable gardens and took pride in canning the harvests she worked so hard to grow. Her flower gardens were equally cherished, always blooming with the same care and attention she gave to everything in her life. Wally was also well known for her baking, her treats were eagerly anticipated and enjoyed by all who knew her.
In addition to her many talents, Wally gave generously of her time, especially through her volunteer work at the Canton Clothing Center. Though typically quiet and humble, she was unfailingly kind, friendly, and willing to help anyone in need. Above all, Wally treasured her family, and her greatest joy came from the time she spent with her beloved grandchildren.
Wally leaves behind her children, Patricia Deeghan of Canton, Patrick (Brenda) Deeghan of Salamanca, NY, Mary Kay (Cris) Schmelzle of Roaring Branch and Steven (Michele) Deeghan of Canton, step-daughter, Peg (Jim) Helveston of Exeter, step son-in-law, David Hickok of Canton, grandchildren, JoAnn Rager, Laurel Davis, Michelle Henry, Curtis Schmelzle and Tyler and Nathan Deeghan, step-grandchildren, Ty and Brett Hickok, Jeff and Brian Koval and David Terry, great grandchildren, Trevor, Kyle, Crystal and Patrick Davis, Liam and Nichole Henry, Ivan McKlveen, Lucas Rager and Michael Deeghan, brothers, Fred Lenze of Ridgeway and Vincent Lenze of St. Mary's, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Besides her parents, and second husband Frank, Wally was predeceased by her first husband, Patrick G. Deeghan, several siblings, a grandson, Jim Deeghan, two great grandchildren and her step-daughters, JoAnn Hickok and Stella Campbell.
The family invites friends to call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton, with the Rosary Prays following at 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 12 noon on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Canton. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wally's name may be directed to the Canton Senior Center, 6 E. Tioga Street, Canton, PA, 17724 or to the Canton VFW Post 714, 28 Troy Street, Canton PA 17724. Memories of Wally and condolences to her family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.
Funeral Mass
St Michael's Catholic Church
Starts at 12:00 pm
Visits: 33
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors