Gertrude D. Skop Kepich – Elizabeth Township, formerly of McKeesport

Gertrude D. Skop Kepich, 87, of Elizabeth Township, formerly of McKeesport, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Gertie was born on Oct. 28, 1933, in McKeesport, to the late Frank and Mary Novak Skop. Gertie worked for Putz’s Store, Samuel’s Shoestore, Union Clothing Co., A & P and was a caregiver. She also belonged to St. Nicholas PTG, St. Nicholas Marian Society, Tenth Ward Task Force, Tenth Ward Reunion Committee, SOAR and volunteered many other hours to worthy organizations throughout her life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Kepich; siblings, Valeria (Julius) Balogh, Genevieve (Steven) Cerniga, Francis (Joseph) Sebbens, Edward (Ruth) Skop, Regina (Adrian) Hrynyk, Walter and John Skop. Gertie was the youngest and last surviving sibling. She is also survived by daughters, Karen (Mickey) O’Rourke, Laura Gray, Trudie (John) Samudovsky, Joan (Nicholas) Zugai and Edie (Brian) Hudson, with whom she resided, all of Elizabeth Township; and a son, John (Leigh), of McKeesport. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, April (Steve), Bethany (Tim), Brienne (John), Katie (Mike), Alexandra (George), Jacob (Cara), Julianne, Olivia (Vince), Luke, Noah, Aaron, Evan, Braden; as well as five great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Mason, Maverick, Xander and Ella; sister-in-law, Dolores Kepich Goga; as well as many nieces and nephews. Gertie will be especially missed by her best friend and companion, Leia. The two shared many happy times together and most recently some tender moments. Gertie loved having family gatherings at her home, especially having all the grandchildren sleep over after Thanksgiving dinners. She loved all her neighbors in Tenth Ward and walking to Zoscak’s for The Daily News. She loved to garden and took pride in her yard, especially her butterfly bush and tulips. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Community Life McKeesport. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021 at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 6028 Smithfield St., Boston, Pa., with Parastas service at 6:30 p.m. Blessing prayers at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29. Mass of Christian burial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021, at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 410 Shaw Ave., McKeesport, PA 15132. Interment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, North Versailles, Pa. Masks are required. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the WILLIAM H. CRAIG FUNERAL HOME INC., 3000 Versailles Ave. McKeesport, PA 15132. www.whcraigfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to St. Nicholas Church, 410 6th St., McKeesport, PA 15132.