Dorothy "Dottie" Belajac's Obituary
Lifelong Pittsburgh resident, Dorothy "Dottie" Belajac, passed away peacefully at her home on December 29th at the age of 100. Born on November 25, 1925, she was a part of what has often been called "The Greatest Generation," those individuals who lived through the major events of the 20th century, including the Great Depression, World War II and the Cold War, right on through to the 21st century. Dottie reflected the best values of that generation and lived a remarkable life, full of love, energy, and endless dedication to her family, friends and her hometown.
Dottie's most cherished role was as a devoted wife and mother who created a happy home filled with endless love and laughter. She was especially proud of her house which she always kept in immaculate condition, reflecting her very meticulous nature and special homemaking skills. She was an exceptionally talented baker, renowned for her delicious cakes, especially her famous chocolate cherry cake and the much-anticipated heart-shaped birthday cakes she made year in and year out. In addition to being a gifted baker, Dottie was also a graceful dancer and many a Saturday night was spent on the dance floor in the arms of her beloved husband, Ted. They were affectionately referred to as "Fred and Ginger" by friends and family.
In the 1940's, prior to her marriage, Dottie was a salesperson at the downtown branch of National Record Mart. A talented professional who was especially good with math (she could quickly and accurately add long columns of numbers in her head!). Dottie was a valued employee and problem-solver -- literally! It was at the H Club on the South Side where Dottie met her future husband, Ted. They married in 1949, had five children and enjoyed watching them grow up and go on to have wonderful lives of their own.
Dottie was a devoted Catholic who never, ever missed a Sunday Mass, a woman who will long be remembered for her faith and her unfailing love and commitment to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will never be forgotten.
Dottie is survived by her five children, Theodore "Ted" (Darlene) Belajac, Dave (Terri Manley) Belajac, Donna Belajac, Jim (Jane) Belajac and Cindy (Steve) Wood; thirteen grandchildren, Theodore Belajac, Jr., Heather (Jayson) Orpel, Darren (Jaci) Belajac, Tiffany (Steve) Zulka, Ashley (Larry) Levine, Devan (Tony) Gestrich, Maura (Robert Susa) Belajac, Eric (Jenn) Wood, Ryan (Kimber) Wood, Branden Belajac, Justin (Stephanie) Wood, Shay Guthrie-Belajac, and Chase Wood; as well as 24 great-grandchildren and her sisters-in-law, Esther Hornyak, Anna Marie Capan and Carolyn "Nini" Dimirak. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore "Ted" Belajac; her parents, Andrew and Anna Hornyak; her siblings, Marge Foley, Kate Mate, Mary Dunn Gostkowski, Dr. John Hornyak and Francis Hornyak, as well as her son-in-law, David Guthrie.
Family and friends will be received Saturday, February 7th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
A Catholic Blessing Service will be held following visitation on February 7th at 1:00 p.m. in the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Burial has taken place privately at Jefferson Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Dottie's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. stjude.org
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