Theresa Marie Wozniak

Our beloved Mother, Theresa Marie Wozniak, age 85, of Baden PA, died on Friday August 18, 2023.

She told us that our father, Ronald Vance Wozniak was coming for her on his birthday, and he did after she waited patiently for 31 years after his death.

Theresa is survived by her three children, Rhonda Wozniak Sachon and her husband Mark of Pittsburgh, Terrie Wozniak of Ambridge, Dan Wozniak (Christine Schlifer) of Baden, seven grandchildren, Kai Sachon, Nigel Churchin (Heather Verrico), Raina Churchin (Jeff Parks), Jacob Wozniak, Cheyenne and Shane Hammel and Max, one great grandchild, Isla Churchin.

Theresa married Ron, her childhood sweetheart from First Street, and was a devoted wife and homemaker for 32 years. She believed in that 1950s dream of being a wife, and a mother, and of someday winning that Good Housekeeping seal of approval. No matter what shift Ron worked at the mill, she would have a full dinner on the table when he returned home, even if it was midnight.

On the day that her husband did not return, but shockingly passed at the early age of 53, we saw how stoic and strong she could be. We don’t know how, but even as frightened and heartbroken as she was to be without him, she found the strength and carried on.

She focused on her children, her grandchildren, and the very special bond with her mother. She cared for all of them tirelessly until she could no longer care for herself.

We will miss the mouthwatering dinners of beef soup, spaghetti, stuffed peppers, ketchup steak, blue gill, city chicken, potato pancakes, and potato salad-- just some of her specialties. She would also prepare anything and everything that Ron or Dan brought home from a successful hunt.

We will so miss the cards and letters that she always wrote to friends and family, not ever missing a birthday or any other special occasion.  We treasure them now-- so thoughtfully written with just the right words being penned, and often signed with a drawing of a tree (as many called her) in place of her name.

We will miss the quirky traditions too—like her shaking her purse at the full moon and saying, “fill it up; fill it up; fill it up.” She always dreamed of winning big with the lotto, bingo, or at the casinos. Although that never happened, she was generous beyond her means, always tucking what she could into those special cards.

Theresa was a graduate of Ambridge High School, class of 1955, which nominated her as “Class Clown.” In her words, she loved “acting silly with my gang back in the day.” We’ve been told by so many that they will always remember her sense of humor and that wonderful laugh.

Once you were a friend of Theresa’s, you were a friend for life. She boasted about always keeping in touch with the “gals” from Bell Telephone, her first job as a switchboard operator. We are heartbroken for her best friend, Better Christopher, as they were like sisters and shared so much of each other’s lives.

Our mom was a talented artist—she liked to draw, paint ceramics, and take photographs. She documented everything with countless photos and home movies going back to her childhood.

Her photography captured the heart of her bygone First Street neighborhood of Ambridge. They were poor, but proud people. She helped to organize First Street Reunions, and you can see many of her photographs in the reunion books at the Laughlin Memorial Library.

Laku Noć Mom. Not a day will go by without you in our thoughts and in our heart. We love you forever.

In honor of Theresa’s wishes, no service is planned. She will be inurned at the Sylvania Hills Mausoleum, Rochester, PA where she will rest with her husband, mother, and father.

The following poem is written in tribute to our mother by her son Dan Wozniak:

My children,

Please don’t cry for me

Now all my pain is gone

We’ll be together soon “you’ll see”

For now, I’m moving on

I hear the prayers you’re sending me

And all the love they bring

Call my name in your time of need

I’m closer than you think

I’m watching you with caring eyes

My children, this was God’s will

You’ll understand all in time

I love you then and still

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