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Mary Ellen Hritz (Venturini)

October 10, 1927 - January 19, 2025

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Obituary For Mary Ellen Hritz (Venturini)

Age 97, of Whitehall and Bethel Park; beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph A. Hritz and her 11 siblings: Frank, Emidio, Sofia, Elizabeth, Atilio, Anthony, Thomas, Marion, Stephen, Mary and Rocco.

She will be dearly missed by her children Andrea (Ronald) Gronsky, Michael (Stacy Stull), Jeffrey (Ann Kelton), Christopher Jon "CJ" (Beth), Gina (Robert) Pasko, Elizabeth (Thomas) Wisniewski and Thomas (Michele Timon); 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

As a child of the Great Depression, our mom wore her frugality as a badge of honor, displayed in the form of old takeout containers and rubber bands on everything. But she still managed to lead a rich life and was not frugal in in her love for us: her kindness and open mind routinely blessed her family with a sense of belonging. Children were always welcomed with treats and a closet full of toys. Her quick wit and strategic brain made her a formidable card player and a sharp-tongued comic, especially when it came to teasing her older grandchildren. Our mom’s love for us and true artistry came through most notably in her kitchen. She was a creative baker who made all the family favorites like HoHo Cake, Poppy Seed Roll and 12-Layer Cake. She was also never afraid to tackle a modern recipe like homemade kale chips - one of her favorites.

As a senior at Holy Rosary High in Columbus, Ohio, Mary Ellen typed out an essay about her future plans to get an “office job” after graduation. “Then,” she wrote, “after working a few years, if I am lucky I’ll get married and settle down for the rest of my life.”

Mary Ellen got that office job at Armour & Co. and it was there that she had the luck to meet Joe Hritz, the love of her life. Joe had just returned from serving in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he earned three Purple Hearts. They married in 1949 and built a life together based on their shared devotion to faith and family. We are happy to think that our parents are now reunited for all of eternity.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Saturday morning at 9:30. Mass of Christian Burial in Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Sylvester Church at 10:30 a.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memorials Processing, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Condolences

  • January 24, 2025

    Sorry for your loss, Heaven welcomes her. Your good friends and neighbors. Mary Lane & Tom Rabatin

  • January 23, 2025

    Deepest condolences to the entire family. I will treasure every memory that I have of Mary Ellen. Like I said before her homemade pizza was the best. Every kid in the neighborhood was blessed when they were invited over to taste one of her goodies. I loved her wisdom, nurturing and beautiful personality. She was a mom to all. She will be missed. God Bless.

  • January 22, 2025

    Hi Gina, Michele and Drew, and family. Both Linda and I are sorry for the loss of your mom. We are praying for strength and guidance as you continue to mourn. In time the pain will lesson and you will then be able to recall the fun's times that you had together. With love, Bob and Linda Coholic.

  • January 22, 2025

    Love to Aunt MaryEllen's family. She always had a smile on her face, and she had a great laugh. When your family lived in Columbus, and we got to spend the night I remembered her chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, such a treat! Aunt MaryEllen you will be truly missed, you gave us great memories!! Theresa Hritz Potts

  • January 22, 2025

    Liz So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I remember her fondly from our work lunches. I still have one of her recipes that you shared with me. A very sweet lady. My sincere condolences to you and your extended family.

  • January 21, 2025

    Gina, Drew, Michelle and family, I only met your mom about 10 years ago, but I knew right away what a kind and caring person she was. She loved her family snd I know two little boys that were crazy about her, I pray for comfort and peace for all of you.,The "year of firsts " is tough, but I pray you can all hold each other up and carry on the love she had for her family!

  • January 21, 2025

    Our deepest condolences from Dan and Edith Capozzolo. It was great growing up in the neighborhood with your mom. Great memories of her baked goods, delicious pizza and cherry Kool-Aid. She will truly be missed. I regret not being able to see her on my last two trips to Pittsburgh. Me and Edith with keep her in our prayers. May perpetual light shine on her and may she rest in peace.

  • January 20, 2025

    My favorite Aunt and my Godmother. Aunt Mary Ellen was a blessing to me and my family, and I have wonderful memories! ❣️May you rest in peace sweet lady.

  • January 20, 2025

    Mrs Mary Hertz was a lovely lady I used to take care of her into attend to her needs whatever she needed very very lovely lady she always wondered about my family how everybody was doing she would always ask about my dad My father also got his wings in the last weeks of October and when I shared they passed away she started crying so let's marry you got your wings now dear you deserved it you were such a special lady to me you always told me don't worry about with anybody says about you keep your eyes on God thank you Miss Mary so your family you all have my deepest sympathy and condolences as you would know your mother was a great lady a special lady so I'm praying for you I'm sending prayers up prayers being sent your way praying for strength in peace God bless the Hertz family your mom has no more pain she's with her maker Miss Mary rest with God rest in peace you have your wings you deserve it Love you Miss Mary

  • January 20, 2025

    Aunt Mary is my favorite Aunt of all times! (Sorry Aunt Lee Lee) Aunt Mary was ALWAYS kind and loving. You will be dearly missed

  • January 20, 2025

    To all of Aunt Mary's children, sending you my love. She was a wonderful aunt and Godmother! Love, Theresa ❤️

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