Elizabeth “Betty” “Bootsie” Bigenho
Age 91, of Penn Hills, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Richard L. Bigenho; mother of Richard (Peggy) Bigenho, Jr., Debbie Pampena, and Tom (Jane) Bigenho; grandmotherr of six, great-grandmother of five; sister of the late William Brandenstein, Jim Brandenstein, and Shirley Rockar. She was an avid lover of sweets and had a passion for scratchoffs, bingo, and trips to the casino. She loved only WINNING at games with her kids and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her perfect hair and her call it like she sees it flair.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090.
Service and interment private. Arrangements by William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd.
Grace M. Hollis
Age 93, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Friday, February 9, 2024 just one week short of her 94th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Michael; devoted mother of Judith (Richard) Eiben, the late Michael (surviving Marlene) Hollis, Mark (Karen) Hollis, Diane (John) Santo, Linda (Steve) Eicheldinger, Nancy (Jim) Smathers, and Daniel (Annette) Hollis; sister of the late Donald (Glorianna) Holtman. Also survived by 13 grandchildren, one late grandchild, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.
Friends received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church, 200 Stotler Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 at 10 a.m.
Gloria K. “GK” Christian (Pickles)
Age 98, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends, Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Beloved wife of the late William J. Christian; mother of William R. (Barbara) Christian and the late Jane E. Love and John E. Christian; grandmother of Edward “Ted” (Monica) Gable, Shawn Gable, Michelle (Mike) Lake, Victoria Christian, and Rebecca Christian; great-grandmother of six. Also survived by her niece Valerie and son from God Charles (Bianca) Johnson.
Family and friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 12 p.m.
William A “Bill” Barr
Age 85, of Verona, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Loving Significant other of Kelly Wirth; father of William, Jr. and Suzan; step-father of Kristen Kibler, Melissa Wirth and Amanda Wirth; grandfather of 11; brother of the late Robert and Charles. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and his canine companion Marley.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Cross Your Paws Rescue, 294 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mary Jane (Colangelo) Doerfler
Age 88, formerly of Penn Hills passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Beloved daughter of the late Ray and Evelyn Colangelo; Loving wife of the late Donald Doerfler; Loving and caring mother of Donald (Janice), the late Joseph (Carolyn), Evy; loving sister of Peter (Carol) Colangelo and Patty Small (Jim) Carroll; cherished Grandmother of Donnie and Joe Doerfler, Meghan (Mike) Gage, Taylor (Jason) Clausell, and Ray; Great Grandmother of Ava, Colton, Brytlin.
Mary Jane enjoyed her last ten years living with the loving care of her daughter Evy, whom she always proclaimed to be the “best daughter in the World”. She also has a special second daughter, Kim “Weeble” Whigham who loved and adored her second “Mummy”.
Mary Jane was a warrior who bravely fought ovarian cancer under the loving, tireless, dedicated and selfless care of Meg Kirby, who was her “angel on earth”. Mary Jane was blessed with the amazing support of “Team 304” who remained by her side day and night.
After graduation from the Borroughs School of Business, she worked at the Westinghouse Electric Plant, and then for the Allegheny County Register of Wills until her retirement in 1999.
As a young girl and teenager, Mary Jane was an outstanding athlete, especially as a swimmer and basketball player. She earned a Lifeguard Certification at 15 years of age. As a mother, Mary Jane organized, sponsored and managed the Rays and Don Rays girls softball teams, coaching them to seven consecutive annual championships with a 57-2 incredible winning record, while being the leagues’ only female coach/manager. Her winning record was unprecedented.
Mary Jane was an avid sports fan and fierce, honest, and ethical competitor. She enjoyed playing cards, casino trips, watching movies and loved watching her daughter play basketball. Her all-time favorite pastime was cooking for and entertaining family and friends. All were welcome and no one ever left the Doerfler house hungry.
Mary Jane was a loving, caring, and extremely giving person. She inspired and served as a wonderful role model to the many lives that she touched. She will be deeply missed.
THERE WILL BE NO VIEWING. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 825 Second Street, Verona, PA 15147 on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. A burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mary Jane to The Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank, please. https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/