Cathryn "Kay" (Woak) Terleski

Cathryn "Kay" (Woak) Terleski, 95, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024, surrounded by the family she loved, at her longtime home on Pittsburgh's South Side

Cathryn was born in Francis Mine, PA, on January 18, 1929, to John Woak and Sophia Pohranichny. She was predeceased by her older siblings Michael, John, George, Anna, Metro, Nicholas, and Mary.

A true coal miner's daughter, Cathryn loved country music and brought that love to the city of Pittsburgh where she met and married Steve Terleski. After Steve passed away in 1974, Cathryn was left with the task of raising their nine children on her own. With an impeccable work ethic, she embarked upon her long career as a professional cleaner, including twelve years as a custodian for Allegheny County. She took great pride in making people's lives easier and better through her work.

Cathryn delighted in hosting her family at her home, whether in one-on-one chats over a cup of tea, or the massive parties she would often throw for her tight-knit clan. Her pyrohy, stuffed cabbage, nut rolls, city chicken, and stuffing are the stuff of family legend. Her secret recipe? More butter, more sugar, more salt!

St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church on 7th Street was an important part of her life. She was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary, making pyrohy, running the coffee and doughnuts table, and selling vast quantities of tickets for the 50/50 raffle. St. John's was also where she met her devoted, longtime companion, Joseph Slaby. Kay and Joe enjoyed many country music concerts, days at Schenley Park, and long evenings of cards. She even let him win every once in a while.

Cathryn was a wizard with plants, could add long columns of numbers at astonishing speed, polka you off your feet, tell you the right way to clean anything and everything, and sing her beloved country music with stage presence worthy of the Grand Ole Opry.

Cathryn is survived by her nine children: Stephen M. (Judith), Kathleen (John Fredland), Linda Barbour (Colt), Marian Tain (Joseph), Elaine Smith (Robert Trakofler), Ann Miller (Charles, deceased), Roe Hurst (William), Donna Naser (Curt), and Nancy Scott (William).

Her 35 grandchildren: Stephen R. (Maddaline), John (Dawn), Zanna, Nicholas (Kelly), Luke (Erica), Cathryn "Katie" (Edjie), Nikki (Bill), Julia (Patrick), Gregory, Alexis (Denis), Sonja (Cameron), Adrian (Carlos), Charles (Jamie), Zachary, Ethan, Jared (Lydia), Kaleb, Seth, Emery (Michael), Ariella (Roman), Eleazar, Zera (Drew), Max (Linsey), Ezekiel (Katherine), Eiryn (Josh), Lyvia, Elyana, Anna, Sophia, Stephens, Dylan (Jordan), Kane (Ivy), Alaina, Liam, and Eris.

Her 26 great-grandchildren: John David, Fox, Phoenix, Ava, Cash, Audrey, Logan, Sawyer, Reese, Gwen, Ace, Bryce, Cole, Tatum, Svetlana, Naomi, Nina, Charles, James, Seth, Finley, Xander, Isla, Spencer, Augustine and David.

Her niece Deanna Porter and numerous other great-nieces and nephews.

Friends received Thursday and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in Thomas J. Gmiter Funeral Home, 2323 E. Carson St. A Parastas Service will be held Friday evening at 6:00 PM. Funeral Prayer Saturday 9:00 AM in the funeral home, followed by the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 109 South 7th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

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