Obituary of Gertrude O. DaParma

Gertrude O. DaParma, 99, of White Oak, formerly of Point Breeze, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, after a short stay at Mt. Vernon of Elizabeth Personal Care Home in Elizabeth Township. Born April 29, 1917, in Pittsburgh, she was one of six children of the late Joseph Michael and Mabel Collins Loftis. She is survived by her son, Ronald L. DaParma (Mary Jane), of White Oak; grandson, Michael F. DaParma (Carla); and great-granddaughter, Sienna, all of Bethel Park; and her brother, Dr. John W. Loftis, of Prescott, Ariz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frank L. DaParma; her brother, Dr. Joseph H. Loftis; and three sisters, Mary E. Loftis, Jean L. Day and Virginia A. Loftis. After graduating from Holy Rosary High School, Gertrude earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Mt. Mercy College (now Carlow University) in 1940. While pursuing social work, she met her future husband when he was a staff member at Rosalia Maternity Hospital and the couple married in 1943, when he was serving as a lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. Dr. DaParma, later a staff member at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, died in 1968 after a battle with lung cancer. A 71-year resident of Point Breeze, Gertrude loved her family, was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and enjoyed music, gardening and chatting with neighbors. A member of St. Bede Church, she and her sister, Virginia, also sang with the choir at Sacred Heart Church in Shadyside for more than 30 years. Gertrude also sang in the chorus of the Pittsburgh Savoyards musical theater company for more than a decade. She stayed active later in life, working part-time in medical records at St. Francis Medical Center in Lawrenceville, and continuing to drive into her early 90s. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at McCABE BROS. INC. FUNERAL HOME, 6214 Walnut St., Shadyside, where funeral will commence at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Bede Church.