Ada Frances Petrun's Obituary
Ada Frances Petrun led a purposefully driven life that touched many people throughout her 96 years on Earth.
Ada is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Paul Petrun; children, Greg Kappers, Wendy Kappers, Dee (Rick) Hoffman, Paul Petrun; siblings, Charles (Dottie) Thomas and Barbara Thomas; grandchildren, Jennifer (Shannon) Legg, Gregory (Natalie) Kappers, Hadley Kappers, Jared Hoffman, Seth (Katherine) Hoffman, Colin Petrun and Connor Petrun; great-grandchildren, Zachary Legg, Gavin Legg, Adriana Gamber, Adelena Kappers, Ayla Kappers, Jared James "JJ" Hoffman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Darland Smith and Grace Thomas; step-father, Walter J. Thomas; siblings, Walter N. Thomas and Linda Thomas.
Born and raised on an 80 acre farm in Milford, Delaware, she went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Maryland College majoring in English and Social Studies (Secondary Education), and would later acquire a Master of Science degree in Education from Duquesne University, as well as her Vocational / Cooperative Education Certification from the University of Pittsburgh.
After college, she taught elementary students in both Milford, DE and then in Hamilton, Oh. There she met John Kappers who worked for Fisher Body and was originally from Copenhagen, Denmark. When he was transferred, they moved to Flint, Michigan where they had 3 children, Greg, Wendy and Darlene (Dee). With another transfer, they moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 1955, where, sadly, John died in 1960. Ada then launched a new career of teaching students with Special Needs for the Allegheny County School System, later to become the Allegheny Intermediate Unit where she met Paul Petrun whom she married on July 15, 1967. Paul had been the love of Ada’s life, as shown by their 53 years together. When their son, Paul Michael, was born in 1972, he made the family complete as their 4th child.
Ada was a teacher at Mon Valley School for most of her career. In addition to her classroom teaching position, she was given the role of placing students on jobs in both the school and community, with having her Vocational / Cooperative Education Certification. Ada’s enthusiasm, dedication and commitment was evident throughout her career, as she worked with families, employers and community agencies to help transition her students from high school to adult life, often with gainful employment. She took on many roles as Senior Advisor, Yearbook Editor, Co-Editor of the Newsletter, etc. Every year, she created fund raising events and encouraged community members, while raising public awareness of the needs for students with disabilities, to donate money to fund senior trips. Ada was a pioneer and visionary in creating experiences for disadvantaged students to travel beyond the school walls to gain new understanding and awareness outside of their own community. Each year she coordinated and was able to pay for some 30 students, which she chaperoned on trips to New York City, Washington, DC, Williamsburg, VA, Canada /Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Hershey Park, Sea World, and Cedar Point, to name a few.
Ada taught school until she was 69 years old, retiring in June 1993. She loved her work and felt fulfilled all along, but finally opted to leave and see the wider world with Paul. In retirement they were able to travel throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, and throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Ada was the recipient of the prestigious “Annie Sullivan Award” in May 1990. This award is given by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for the Special Education Teacher, “who shows care, concern, and skill in assisting students with disabilities to gain acceptance in their schools and communities.” She was also honored in October, 1990, in Harrisburg by the State of Pennsylvania when she received the “Salute to Teaching Award” for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
Ada and her husband Paul were selected to become members of Phi Delta Kappa Three Rivers, Chapter 14, which is a prestigious International Educational Honorary Society. They both worked together as active members. Ada held official roles as President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Programs, and Newsletter Editor. Ada received the “Paul Varnum Award”, in 2003, for her service in the community, the “Service Key Award” and “Newsletter Award” for her service within the organization. In addition, she was awarded the “Presidential Centennial Award” in recognition of her service and loyalty of PDK over the years. She was instrumental in working in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh to create and present “A Public Forum: Public Schools in the 21st Century on Education,” in May 1999. Ada also belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Chi Chapter of an International Society for Key Woman Educators. There she served as the Scholarship Chair Person.
In the early years, Ada sold World Book Encyclopedias to help educate folks. On the side, she tutored students and helped their families. During her summers, she worked teaching students at Juvenile Court and Mayview State Hospital. For the last 40 years she was she was a Qualified Distributor with Shaklee Corporation.
Along the way, with teaching and side jobs, Ada took on the role as Power-of-Attorney for a former student named Richard over 30 years ago. She also took on the role as guardian of a former student named Martha, caring for her for 20 years.
Ada was an amazing human being, filled with a zest beyond belief for living. Somehow she summoned up the energy to take on a monumental work load and care for her family, who she loved dearly. She has many jewels in her crown with the shiniest being her 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren. She was super-energetic, driven by God, and fully committed in her service to others. She was admired by all for her belief in God, courage, positive energy and her special talent of being a generous and effective helper of mankind. An angel on Earth!
A private service for immediate family only will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 12 P.M. A virtual broadcast can be viewed at the following internet link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11N8RuYP1uaRPXS9WzH9jSuqdwFba5Qa4/view
Interment will be at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation that may be made to Mon Valley School for the Ada Petrun Reading Room, 555 N. Lewis Run Road, Clairton 15025.
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