Sandra L. Bertoty

Sandra L. (Shaffer) Bertoty, 77, passed away on Sunday, January 14^th at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Born January 18, 1946 in McKeesport to the late George H. and Anna M. (Surgeon) Shaffer, she was a graduate of McKeesport Area High School (1963) and the Douglas School of Business (1965). At her first job at Renzie Park as a playground supervisor, she met her future husband, John. Following their marriage in October of 1965, she was employed by Liberty Loans as a Claims Supervisor. While raising her family, she worked for Supowitz Brothers Shoe Company and J.S. Robb Shoes. She eventually worked as Office Manager/Dental Assistant for Dr. Samir J. Ayoub, D.D.S. until her retirement in 1996 to become full-time Grandma to her only grandchild, Matthew.

Sandra was a member of the former Holy Trinity (Saint Martin de Porres) Parish, in McKeesport, where she volunteered as a C.C.D. Teacher and was one of the original Eucharistic Ministers for Holy Trinity Church. She was an active member of the parish’s Fundraising Committee, overseeing the Lottery Ticket fundraiser and ticket booth manager for the Parish Festivals. Sandra was a Benefactor Life-Member of the NRA, a Certified Pistol Instructor and helped teach First-Steps Pistol Instruction, along with her husband, at Anthony Arms and Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsman’s Club, where she was also a member. She was an active member of McKeesport-White Oak Kiwanis, where she served as Chairwoman of the Membership Committee, and the Westmoreland-Fayette County Boy Scouts of America where she held several positions, including Committee Member for Pack 270, and a member of the Bushy-Run District Committee, where she helped organize and run numerous District Events.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Debra, in 2019, and her dear kitties, Spencer, Peanut and Peaches. She is survived by her life-long love John, son, David (Jill) Bertoty of North Huntingdon, daughter, Sharyn (Bob Brown) of White Oak, grandson Matthew D. (fiancé, Samantha Kovach) of North Huntingdon, dear friend, Robert P. Ponchak, of White Oak, and her beloved kitties, Joshua, Jacob, and Jedadiah. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly (the late Edward) Sherwin of San Antonio, Texas, and brother George (Diane) Shaffer of McKeesport along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024 (her 78^th Birthday) at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church in McKeesport. The Rev. Gregory Madeya will be officiating. Arrangements are by the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322, Troy J. Gilbert, director. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Debra A. Bertoty Memorial Scholarship Fund. To make a memorial contribution, please visit https://gofund.me/370b4055 or by check to The Debra A. Bertoty Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1 Stonehaven Lane, White Oak, Pa. 15131.

Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeCrematory.com.