Category: Obituaries

Carol Smith (Passed on April 28th, 2026)

Carol Lee Smith, 72, passed away on April 28th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital in Brighton Township surrounded by her family after an extended illness. She was the loving daughter of the late Georgine Cook Watts. In addition to her mother, Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Smith, as well as her mother-in-law and father-in-law Ruth and Berch Smith. She is survived by her brothers and sisters–in-laws, David and Belinda Watts and Michael and Mary Ellen Watts, her sister-in-law, Melody Smith, her nieces: Lindsey (Dan), Alexandra, Maura, and Laila; as well as many loving cousins, and a host of great friends.

Carol was a 1971 graduate of New Brighton High School and received her degree in physical educationfrom Penn State University in 1975. Carol was an annual staff member at YMCA Camp (Y-Camp “Kon-O-Kwee”) and greatly looked forward to the event each year. She was gifted musically, playing her clarinet & bass clarinet in numerous area concerts. She was a remarkable athlete, participating in tennis, softball, and swimming (serving as a lifeguard). Family trips together to Peace Valley orchards will always be priceless along with so many other wonderful memorable events spent together. She met the love of her life, Jay Smith, at a dance and that led to a beautiful marriage and the start of tranquil life on a farm in Ohio. They spent many happy years together along with Justin, her stepson. Some of her favorite activities would include hosting raucous Steeler vs Browns parties, having family fun-filled nerf battles, visiting fairs, and watching Jay race motorcycles. She spent her career at Duquesne Light Company/First Energy working in various departments until her retirement. During her years of working, she was fortunate to make lifelong friends, and greatly looked forward to catching up on scheduled lunch dates. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile, her quirky sense of humor, her love of a good time, and for her compassion for others. Her family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the countless caregivers, physicians, nurses, staff, and therapists who have lovingly cared for Carol with their humor, encouragement, compassion, and dedication.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late June to honor Carol and to share the impact she made.

Carol’s final gift was a gift of life made to CORE, Center for Organ Recovery & Education, in hopes of giving life to others.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Elsie Joanne Colwell (1938-2026)

Elsie Joanne Colwell, 88, of New Brighton, passed away on May 6th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Ellwood City on April 9th, 1938, the daughter of the late Emma (Hall) and Roy Colwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert and Darrell. She is survived by her brother, James (Janice) Collwell and her great niece, Kayla, whom Elsie looked upon as a child of her own and several other adored nieces and nephews.

Elsie lived a life marked by loyalty, kindness, and a deep love for others. She devoted 38 years of her career as an electrician with the IUOE within Westinghouse, where her strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. She was a faithful member of the Marion Hill Christian Missionary Alliance Church of New Brighton who found strength and community in her faith. She had an unending passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to explore the world. She was known for her warm and inviting heart with a natural ability to make even strangers feel welcomed as family. Her love extended especially to her own family and to animals, both of which brought her immense joy throughout her life. She will be remembered for her generous love, her unwavering kindness, and the lasting impression she left on everyone fortunate enough to know her. An End of Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 11 a.m. within the Marion Hill Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 4607 Rochester Road, New Brighton. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elsie Joanne Colwell, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Joyce Anne (Prokopovich) Cahill (1956-2026)

Joyce Anne (Prokopovich) Cahill, 70, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home early on April 10th, 2026. She was born in Baden on February 22nd, 1956, a daughter of the late Andrew and Thelma (Barry) Prokopovich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Tom McKernan and her sister-in-law, Cheryl Prokopovich.

She is survived by her two children, Eva Cahill (Greg) Stockmaster of Powell, Ohio and Charlotte Cahill (Tim) Shields of Chicago, Illinois, their father, Kenneth Cahill, of Columbus, Ohio, her two grandchildren, Fiona Stockmaster and Henry Shields, and five siblings: Deacon Mark (Tracy) Prokopovich of Baden, Gayle McKernan of Beaver, Karen Rudolph of Baden, Robert Prokopovich of Ambridge and Paul (Carol) Prokopovich of Virginia.

Joyce attended school at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic School and Ambridge Area High School. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Nursing (NP). She was a member of the cheerleading squad at Pitt and in 1978, was awarded “Miss Cheerleader USA.” As such, Joyce was a cheerleader to her family and friends, always showing her support through encouragement, mentorship, and unconditional love. She lit up every room she entered and brought us all joy with her big smile, sense of humor and infectious laugh. She knew no stranger and cared for those with illness or who were less fortunate through her nursing vocation with The Ohio State University Hospital and in her membership at Saint Joan of Arc Church in Powell, Ohio in their choir, and at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge.

She was unfortunately diagnosed with melanoma in 2016 and faced this challenge head on to fight the disease for almost the next decade. She was determined to fight against the diagnosis. Joyce leaned on the support of her family, friends, caretakers, her strong faith in God and an ongoing quest for new treatments and trials with her dedicated care team at The James Cancer Hospital (OSU), no matter how challenging for her to endure. After all, this meant more time with the family and friends so dear to her heart. Despite the ups and downs of her journey, and its progression to Stage 4 in the last few years, Joyce was persistent in her fight up until the end, with a smile on her face even in the toughest of moments.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 14th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Panachyda service will be held on Friday, May 15th, at 10:30 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M., in SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky and her brother, Deacon Mark Prokopovich, officiating. Immediately following the service, Interment will take place in SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, 404 6th St, Ambridge.

Donations in her honor can be made to SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th St, Ambridge, PA 15003 Saint Joan of Arc Church, 10700 Liberty Rd, Powell, OH 43065 or James Care for Life Garden of Hope at OSU.

Patricia Merle Shaw (1944-2026)

Patricia Merle Shaw, 81, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2026, after a long and brave battle with cancer.

She was born in Burbank, California on December 23rd, 1944, a daughter of the late Homer Puckett and Marie Aline (Strong) Puckett. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Walters and her husband, Joseph Stahl of Freedom, her sons, David (Jillian) Hof of Salem, Virginia and Joseph Hof. While an only child, her world became so full with 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and another little miracle great-granddaughter on the way. Although she couldn’t see all of you as she would have liked, she loved each and every one deeply. She loved the ocean, butterflies, and the sound of birds waking up first thing in the morning. In fact, she loved all the beauty of what God laid out before her. No matter how simple. Be glad in the day you are given. Her final years were made so special by Catherine Walters, David Hof, Laura Findley, Kristie Yee, Hailey Findley, Brooklyn Gale, Michael Diaddigo and Steven Gale. Whether by phone or in person, you all brightened her day.

Professional services have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A private service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patricia’s name to St. Jude.

A special thanks to Three Oaks Hospice (Elisa, Marie, Jenn, Nikki) for your amazing care for our mother. Also, to the Nurse (Jenn) and the aids and housekeeping for all your care when our mom was moved to hospice. Our family can never thank you enough!

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patricia Merle Shaw, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Samuel J. Orr, III (1940-2026)

Samuel J. Orr, III, 86, of Brighton Township, passed away on May 5th, 2026. He was born on January 3rd, 1940, a son of the late Robert L. Orr and Blanche D. Orr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Eva Orr, who made his life a joy way beyond what any person could ever expect. He is survived by his siblings Julie Barr, Robert L. Orr, Jr., John D. Orr, Rebecca Orend and a very good friend, Jennifer Stephenson. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dogs, Heidi, Bridget, Penny, Henri, Mandy and his cat, Toby.

Samuel was a graduate of Beaver High School, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and the University of Wisconsin Law School at Madison, Wisconsin. He practiced law from 1966 until the present time. He served in the District Attorney’s Office in Beaver County in 1968-1969 and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 1969 through 1977 including service as First Assistant. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver where he had the opportunity to serve as an elder.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation between 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12th at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, led by his Pastor, Rev. Jeffrey Arnold, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday May 13th.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Samuel J. Orr III, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Brett Stephen Parker (1983-2026)

Brett Stephen Parker, 42, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on May 2nd, 2026. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on November 2nd, 1983, the son of Robin (Nichol) Parker and the late Gary Stephen Parker. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Cayden Stephen Parker, his sister, Nina Kristine (Steve) Hronas, his niece and nephew, Emma and Nathan Hronas, his grandmother, Iona Parker, his aunts and uncles: Bonnie Watkins, Connie (Milt) James, Tom Parker, and Phil (Daria) Parker; as well as numerous cousins. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by the mother of his child, Brittany Smith.

Brett was a 2002 graduate of Western Beaver High School. He was a car enthuasist who enjoyed hiking, amusement parks and swimming. He also enjoyed traveling and embraced opportunities to experience new places. He will be remembered for the love and loyalty he felt for his family.

Family and friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Saturday, May 9th, from 11 A.M. until the time of memorial service at 1 P.M. with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating, at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Brett will later be laid to rest at the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a trust fund for his son, Cayden, which will be set up in the near future.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brett Stephen Parker, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Antoinette “Toni” M. Haller (Passed on May 3rd, 2026)

Antoinette “Toni” M. Haller, 86, of Monaca passed away on May 3rd, 2026.

She was born in Rochester, a daughter of the late John and Rose (Guantonio) Pizzuti.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Rosemarie (Jack) Patterson, Terri Burnett, and Tom Pizzuti.She is survived by her husband, George C. Haller; her children, Chris (Dana) Haller and Sara Ball; her grandchildren, Leah Ball, Allison Ball and her fiancé Michael, and Dylan Haller. She is also survived by her brother, John (Denise) Pizzuti, her sister-in-law Michele Pizzuti, and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with great affection.

Antoinette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was a graduate of Monaca High School with its Class of 1958. She carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and devotion throughout her life. She married the love of her life, George C. Haller, on July 11, 1959, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca. The couple met while attending school, and their shared journey grew into a lifelong partnership built on love, respect, and commitment.She was a kind, supportive, faith-filled woman whose life was centered on her family, her friendships, and the many everyday ways she showed love and support to those around her. She retired from working at CCBC, where she worked in various departments and concluded her career in the student records department. Her work ethic and attention to detail reflected the same care and dedication she brought to every part of her life. Family was everything to her, and she was known to many as Mimi, a name that spoke to the love and closeness she shared with those around her. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, never missing their activities and took great joy in being present for the moments that mattered most. She looked forward to meeting her former high school classmates for lunch once a month, and shopping for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed visiting the casinos and sharing time with those she loved. These interests brought her happiness, but it was her presence and her caring spirit that made her unforgettable.

Friends will be received on Thursday May 7th from 4-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATON SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Friday, May 8th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Entombment will be at Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Memorial contributions in Toni’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To share online condolences, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Jo Ann (Sinclair) Nichol (1942-2026)

Jo Ann (Sinclair) Nichol, 84, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2026 surrounded by her family at AHN Wexford.

She was born in Rochester on March 26th, 1942, a daughter of the late Thomas Sinclair and Virginia (Unrue) Sinclair. She was also preceded in death by her parents, David G. Nichol and Agnes Nichol, her son, Ronald T. Nichol, her brother, Timothy Sinclair, an infant son, Randall Lee Nichol and her in law, Bob (Whitey) Whitehouse.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ronald A. Nichol, two sons, Richard D. (Liz) Nichol of Los Angeles, California and Michael K. Nichol and his partner, Martires of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, one sister, Sue (Ed) Phillips, one brother-in-law, Sonny (Louise) Nichol and numerous great and great great nieces, nephews, and cousins, especially: Colleen (Bruce) Soloman, and Kay (Larry) Allingham, Chuck McCoy, Tammy (Skilly) Skiles, Nancy (Tom) Burger, Jodi (Brent) Haller, Carrie (Rob) Gamache, and Gini (Bob) Baustert, Danny Kross, Tom Kross, Robert Nichol, Sean Nichol, Sherri Nichol, David Nichol, and Ross Nichol.

Jo Ann was a graduate of Monaca High School with its class of 1960, where she excelled in academics, cheerleading, and student counseling. She later graduated from the Community College of Beaver County with a degree in Medical Technology in 1976. She then was employed by Sewickley Valley Hospital and the Medical Center of Beaver County for over 30 years. Her interests included volunteering at the Senior Center at the Beaver Valley Mall, chair volleyball, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She was an avid fan of her son’s and husband’s sports and activities and was a member at St. John the Baptist Church in Monaca.

Friends will be received Wednesday, May 6th from 2 p.m. until the time of a blessing service at 5 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements. The family extends an invitation to join them at 6 p.m. for a funeral repast at the Beaver Valley Sportsman’s Club, 1001 Grant Street, Monaca following the blessing service. Private burial will take place on Thursday at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

The Family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at AHN Wexford Hospital and AGH Hospital in Pittsburgh.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the National Kidney Foundation in Jo Ann’s honor.

Dorothy Irene Hertel (1924-2026)

Dorothy Irene Hertel, 101, of Vanport, formerly of Ohio Township (Fairview), passed away on May 2nd, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

She was born in Ohio Township on December 22nd, 1924, a daughter of the late Ralph E. and Sarah R. Deringer Graham. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Richard C. Hertel and her sister, Ethel Pflugh (Woodrow).

She is survived by her devoted son, Robert Charles Hertel, her cousins: Cheryl Stuber (Bob), Ginny Salkeld (Tom), Bill McGaffick (Lisa), Don Richards (Vicki); as well as her extended family, Kevin Fields (Kelly), Eileen Fields and Charles Fanaro (Sherry).

Dorothy worked as a bank teller and worked at Westinghouse Electric Corp as an assembly line worker for 24 years before retiring in 1987. She loved to travel. In the 80s she made a trip to Europe with friends. She traveled extensively with her son Bob to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, Hot Air Ballon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, several cruises, as well as several tips to Las Vegas, where birthdays were celebrated over Christmas and New Years. Dorothy also traveled to New Jersey to visit family. She was also a member of Four Mile Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

In accordance with Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank the nurses of the 3rd floor of Heritage Valley, Beaver and Good Samaritan Hospice House Staff for their love and compassionate care given to Dorothy during her time there.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s name to the charity of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy Irene Hertel, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

David L. Allen (Passed on May 2nd, 2026)

David L. Allen, 90, passed away on May 2nd, 2026, at his residence in North Sewickley Township.

He was born in New Castle and was raised in New Sewickley Township, a son of the late Lloyd and Virginia Allen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter. He is survived by his beloved wife, Miriam Kay Allen, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. Their story began years before their wedding. When they dated, Kay was attending nursing school at Jamison Hospital School of Nursing in New Castle. At that time, the school did not permit nursing students to marry, so the two waited until the time was right to begin their life together as husband and wife. Their long marriage was a reflection of patience, loyalty, and deep affection that carried them through all of life’s seasons. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his son, Jeff Allen, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three nieces.

David spent much of his working life as a truck driver, and he took pride in doing his work carefully and dependably. He drove a 55-foot trailer carrying portable MRI equipment to area hospitals and doctors’ offices throughout the tri-state area. In a unique and special partnership, his wife, Kay, who was a nurse, often rode along with him and assisted with the MRI procedures. Together, they formed a remarkable team, combining his driving and her nursing skills to serve patients and medical providers across the region. Outside of work, he enjoyed tinkering and building things on his property. He liked using his hands and found satisfaction in creating, repairing, and improving whatever needed attention.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 6th from 12 noon until the time of funeral services at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Burry’s Church 1835 Rt 68, Rochester. Private entombment will take place at Zelienople Mausoleum.

Arrangements have been entrsuted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.