Mary Ann Laba

"Mary Ann passed away peacefully at Mercy hospital after a long illness, with her brother, Fr. Gerald, at her side on February 13th. Fr. Vitalii, a chaplain at the hospital, joined with Fr. Gerald in praying for Mary Ann.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving parents, Frank and Bernice (Rompala) Laba, and is survived by her brother, Fr. Gerald, Aunt Emily Laba, and many cousins and friends.

Mary Ann enjoyed a long career at Duquesne Light Company for thirty-six years, working in various areas of administration with high level management, and for a time with the chairman of the board. She loved her work and approached it with extraordinary dedication. In her second career, Mary Ann served as the database manager at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center for almost 20 years, where she also served as the director of retreat promotion and in other areas of administration that included communication with the diocese and local parishes, creating the newsletter, and planning. She loved being associated with this ministry and brought a warm, gracious, and welcoming presence to retreatants and guests.

Over many years Mary Ann served as a member of the Retreat Center Advisory Board. She was also a member of St. Paul's Auxiliary, helping to raise funds for St. Paul of the Cross Monastery , was a dedicated Passionist Associate, and assisted in the work of Mission Fulfillment.

Mary Ann was very generous in sharing her time, talent, and personal gifts with others, and in her work. She was an avid Steeler fan and was present at Three Rivers Stadium to witness the amazing "Immaculate Reception" in December 1972. Mary Ann loved to sing, was a wonderful dancer, and enjoyed cooking, traveling, and many cultural events at Heinz Hall, the Benedum Center, and in New York, and other cities.

Most importantly, Mary Ann approached others with kindness, graciousness, generosity, and care, enriching the lives of many, often in quiet and hidden ways. She enjoyed laughter, and her warm and beautiful smile brightened our lives and days. Mary Ann has truly been a blessing to us and will be dearly missed and always cherished by her loving brother, family, and friends.

During the time of her illness, Mary Ann bore her suffering with great dignity, courage, and grace, always trusting in God's love and provident care.

Mary Ann's brother would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at Mercy Hospital, Shadyside Hospital, the Hillman Center, Concordia of the South Hills, Asbury Heights, and the Concordia Home Health visiting staff for their kind and compassionate care for Mary Ann during the time of her illness."

Visitation will take place at the John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, 119 South 15th Street, Pittsburgh, 15203, on Sunday, February 22nd, from 2 - 5 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Adalbert Catholic Church, Mary Queen of Peace Parish on Monday, February 23rd at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers and at the request of Fr. Gerald, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude's Research Hospital for Children. Please see information below.

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