Willa Annette Kachmar

Willa Annette Kachmar, 58, of Big Run passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Penn Highlands DuBois following a brief illness.

She was born on July 18, 1961 in Punxsutawney, a daughter of Leonora Miriam (Trithart) Kerr, who survives and resides in Big Run and the late Duane Henry Kerr.

Willa was a 1979 graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School.

She was a member,pianist, and choir director of the Big Run Presbyterian Church, and also served as a pianist for St. Phillips United Methodist Church in Big Run.

On December 22, 1978 she married Donald Leo Kachmar.  He survives and resides in Big Run.

Willa loved music. She was a talented pianist who played for many churches, musicals, and events in the surrounding area.  She was a member of the Reynoldsville Theater Arts and loved to be part of plays, musicals, and Victorian Christmas programs throughout the years.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. They brought a smile that amplified the dimples on her cheeks and filled her heart with love. James, Jacob, Lily, Tacoda, Takara, and Kai will remember their Grammy as always being ready to visit, play tea party, read books, and sing songs. 

In addition to her husband Don, she is survived by three children, Jennifer Erbland and husband John of Arizona, Jeffrey Kachmar and fiancé Constance Pearce of North Carolina, and Julia Kachmar of Reynoldsville; her grandchildren,; one brother, Duane Kerr, Jr of Texas; one sister, Diane Wilson of Philadelphia.

She is preceded in death by her father, Duane Kerr and one son, Jeremy Kachmar.

The family will have a private reception at a later date. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Big Run.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to defray funeral expenses.

It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.
--J.S. Bach

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