Theresa Ann (Fajerski) Cygrymus

Theresa Ann Fajerski Cygrymus, born April 10, 1938 on Pittsburgh’s South Side, passed away on November 1, 2024 at the incredible age of 86. Theresa’s life was grounded in her deep connections with family, her Catholic faith, and her friends. 

In 1960, Theresa married the love of her life, the late Ronald J. Cygrymus. Family was at the heart of Theresa’s world, and she wanted nothing more than to be a mother. She and Ron took great pride in raising their three daughters, Pamela (Gregory) Vogel, Beth (Martin) Kassalen, and Debra (Raymond) Zaparoni, who were the light of her life. 

Theresa’s unconditional love extended to her grandchildren, Paige, Marty, and Leah Kassalen, for whom she was not only a grandmother but a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and special gifts whenever her credit card had a zero balance. She was ever-present in their lives and will remain fixed in their memories. 

Known for her generous personality, sharp wit, love of bingo, slots, and playing the PA lottery, she is also remembered as the maker of the famous ¼ loaf lunchtime sandwiches at Chichwalk’s store and multitasker at Information Systems at WPIC. Theresa was a cherished figure in her South Side and Mt. Washington communities. She was a treasured friend and second mother to many and an active member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. 

Theresa was the beloved daughter of the late Stanley and Joann Fajerski, a mother whom she lost way too early in life and with whom she is now reunited. Her siblings John, Frances, Stanley, Bernard, and Thomas, all preceded her in death. May she rest in peace with the Lord and with all of the Cygrymuses and Fajerskis who have gone before her, and her dear lifelong friends, Don and Lorraine Filip, and her Card Club ladies.  She was truly loved and will be forever in our hearts. 

Visitation on Sunday, November 3 from 6-8pm and Monday, November 4 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, 119 S. 15th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Adalbert Church, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, located at 160 S. 15th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 10 am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Bishop Canevin High School, 2700 Morange Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205 directed toward the Ronald J. Cygrymus Scholarship Fund. 

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