Valerie A. Gawlas

Valerie Andrea Gawlas, born on November 17, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home, on September 19, 2024, in Crafton, PA. Valerie was a dedicated member of the Sisters of St. Francis and the Carmelite Community of the Word, embodying a life of service and compassion.

As a school teacher for the Keystone Oaks School District, she made a significant impact on her students, teaching both K-12 and gifted children. Valerie’s commitment to helping others extended beyond the classroom; she ran a soup kitchen in Johnstown and was an active employee of the Pittsburgh Food Bank, where she tirelessly worked to support those in need.

Valerie is survived by her brother Andrew J. (Barbara) Gawlas, Jr., her sister Doreen Gawlas, and a loving family of nieces and nephews, including Pam Ferrari and her son Robert John, Andrew J. Gawlas III, Zachary (Rachel) Gawlas and their children Sammy and Cece, Mindy (Deborah Acklin) Gawlas, Michael (Daniel Snyder) Gawlas, and their son Joseph Gawlas. Her legacy of love, dedication, and kindness will be cherished by all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, 310 Mansfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA on Friday, September 27 at 10am. Friends will be welcomed to join the family for a luncheon following the mass. Interment will be private.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township, PA.