Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

November 1, 1922 - September 17, 2015

Torbitt, Eira Kathleen On Thursday, September 17, 2015.

Eira Kathleen Torbitt was taken from her earthly home in Bethel Park to her eternal home. She was under the care of Family Hospice. She was born in Swansea, South Wales in 1922. During World War II she managed a wallpaper store until it was bombed out and then became a welder. She became supervisor of a line making gasoline cans for vehicles. She compared the neat lines of welding with sewing which she did through the years.

During the war she met her husband John Torbitt who was an American GI stationed in Swansea prior to the Normandy invasion. They married and returned to his family home in Pittsburgh. He left this world for the next July 25, 1998.

Although she was raised a Baptist she joined the Concord Presbyterian Church in Carrick along with other family members. Very much a woman of faith she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served as President of the Women's Association, and was elected as a Ruling Elder. She also was active in the Carrick Mother's Club and enjoyed playing Bridge. An avid reader Kathleen worked for many years in the book department in Kaufman's downtown store.

She is survived by her two children. Her daughter Myra Kazanjian, recently moved to Bethel Park with her partner Maggie Ritchey. Myra's son Matthew Kazanjian and his wife Julie, along with her son John Torbitt and his wife Debbie Christman Torbitt, reside in the Atlanta area. In addition, she was much loved by her nephew Glenn Baggley and his wife Dorothy of Sewickley.

She was also beloved by her late sister Myra Wisby's children Anita, Jane, Heather and Stephen and their families all living in Wales. Her sister Joan Harris and her husband Peter who lived in Canada also predeceased her.

Kathleen was a member of the Whitesboro Presbyterian Church located at 1 Elm Street, Whitesboro, New York 13492. She was also remembered by members of the Concord Presbyterian Church in Carrick and The Sixth Presbyterian Church in Squirrel Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to a congregation of your choice.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood, 15227 on Monday from 6-8 pm and at Sixth Presbyterian Church, 1688 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 on Tuesday from 9:30 am until time of Service at 11 am, officiated by Dr. Vincent Kolb and Dr. Gail Riina Ferri.