Jane (Pia Ellis) Kovacsi

Pia (Jane) Marie Kovacsi, age 71, of Saranac Lake, formerly of Tupper Lake and Buffalo, died Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Mercy Living Center in Tupper Lake.

Born in Tupper Lake, New York on August 16, 1949, she was the daughter of Tamer and Jane (Gauthier) Ellis. Pia married Gabor Kovacsi on Saturday, October 21, 1972 in Tupper Lake. He predeceased her on December 14, 2018.

After attending school in Tupper Lake, Pia graduated from Pius X High School in Saranac Lake. She attended Rosary Hill (now Daemen) College in Buffalo, NY and received her MSEd in counseling from Canisius College. A resident of Buffalo since 1968, she was an active member of Taking Off Pounds Sensibly for many years. She was recognized for her weight-loss success when she was named TOPS NYS Queen in 2011. She took great joy in helping others along their own weight-loss journeys. Pia was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church and was actively involved in their driving outreach program.

She is survived by her daughter Sara Kovacsi-Rizzo; her son-in-law Alan Rizzo; grandson William Rizzo; four brothers: Mark Ellis of Saranac Lake; David Ellis of Wirtz, VA; Paul Ellis of Saranac Lake; Matthew Ellis of Saranac Lake and several nieces and nephews. Pia was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother Robert, and infant siblings Anne and Tamer Jr.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A memorial service will take place on July 17th at 11am at the Augustana Lutheran Church; 3143 Eggert Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150.

A graveside service will be held on August 1st, at 1pm at the St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake.

Friends wishing to remember Pia may make memorial contributions to Augustana Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.