Lena Talotta

Lena Talotta, 78, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1947, in Maierato, Italy, daughter of the late Dominic and Maria Talotta.

Lena was the beloved mother of Maria Holzworth (Dave) and Melina Panetta (Joseph): A loving sister to Maria Martino; and Nonna to Allena, Reilly, and Jadyn Holzworth.

Above all else, loved her family deeply. She devoted her life to her daughters, Maria and Melina, and to her cherished grandchildren, Allena, Reilly, and Jadyn. One of her greatest joys was hosting Sunday dinners each week, where family always gathered around her table. She created countless treasured memories through vacations and trips with her daughters, including a recent journey back to her hometown in Italy. She always showed her love and care for her family through her actions. Each morning, she checked the weather in every city where her loved ones lived, including Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Boston, Tampa, and Delaware, making sure everyone was prepared if a storm was coming. She never failed to miss any events in her family’s lives, large or small.

Lena also loved being a Nonna. She was truly meant for that role, and some of her greatest joys came from watching her granddaughters grow up. She always wanted to stay connected to their lives and interests, eagerly learning new things along the way. Whether it was how to facetime, how to text, or how to use Google to learn about their newest hobbies and passions, she was always excited to share what she had discovered and to show how proud she was of each of them. Lena was the greatest positive influence on her granddaughters, and they will continue to carry forward the legacy, love, and lessons she left behind.

Lena found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, cooking, reading, bowling, spending time with her beloved cat, Valentino, relaxing at the beach, searching for seashells, watching the sunset, watching Pittsburgh & Florida sport teams on TV and completing 1,000-piece puzzles. Most of all, she treasured every moment spent with family.

Lena was fearless. The bravest and strongest woman we knew. At 77 years old, she courageously packed up her life in Pittsburgh and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, to enjoy retirement in the sunshine. She embraced her new life as a Floridian wholeheartedly. Her days were spent lounging on the beach, taking long walks along the pier, visiting local farmers markets, and warmly welcoming the many friends and family who came to visit.

She will be remembered for her laugh, her smile, her loving spirit, her kindness, and her dedication to her friends and family. She will be forever loved and missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22 from 4pm-8pm at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA, 15317. A mass will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 10am at St. Michael the Archangel Parish — St. Bernard Church, 311 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In her memory – Nonna loved animals ! Please make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice. All arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care.