Nov 17, 2018

Dorothy M. Ernst, 90, of Peters Township, died Friday, November 16, 2018, in her home, surrounded by family.

Dorothy was born June 2, 1928, in Pittsburgh, to Christopher and Elizabeth Flanagan.

She was a 1946 graduate of St. George’s High School, located in the Allentown section of Pittsburgh. After high school, Dorothy was employed by a paper company in Pittsburgh for many years, and she eventually met and married Charles Ernst in 1953. Dorothy worked as a bookkeeper alongside her husband in his furniture store, Dormont Furniture and Appliance Co., and they resided in Peters Township from 1955.

Dorothy was a wonderful caregiver for her daughter Mary’s children while Mary continued teaching. Her grandchildren will always cherish the memories of having “Grams” there and certainly could share some great stories about her and their early days together. Her loved ones appreciated her wonderful qualities of being patient and joyful, giving and caring and being the fun-loving mother and grandmother and beautiful friend to all who knew her. Her bright, shiny smile could light up any room.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, who died in 1993.

Surviving are her three children, Chuck (Robin) Ernst, Mary (Steve) Spegal and Tom (Andrea) Ernst; her grandchildren, Katherine (Amrit) Mehta, Valerie Ernst, Collin Ernst, Lauren (Brian) Dankert, Christopher (Busra) Spegal, Corey Spegal, Matthew Spegal, Steve (Ali) Ernst and Theresa (Dan) Wavra; and her great-grandchildren, Aarav Mehta, Armaan Mehta, Rainey Dankert, Mackenzie Ernst, Conner Ernst, Andrew Wavra and Charlotte Wavra.

Dorothy always valued and shared her love for learning with her children and grandchildren. Although she was unable to attend college when she was offered a scholarship to Mt. Mercy College, now Carlow College, she was quite proud her three children and all nine grandchildren are college graduates and are working today in fields they enjoy.

For many years, she was a member of St. Benedict’s Women’s Guild and was a greeter at Masses. She participated in bowling leagues and loved outings with her high school girls “club,” who met often to play cards and laugh. In younger days, she thoroughly enjoyed getting together with her brothers, Tom, Pat, Dick and Eddie, and sister Mary and their families and having many wonderful times. One can only imagine the fun this large Flanagan family had, so full of love.

Dorothy’s niece, Elizabeth “Bettie” LaMarca, lovingly cared for her in her later years. Bettie was Dorothy’s children’s angel and she put much time, effort and energy into loving and caring for their mom. They truly believe God blessed them all with Bettie.

Her deep faith in her Lord Jesus Christ carried her through and she was an avid and faithful parishioner of St. Benedict the Abbot Church in Peters Township. When no longer able to attend Mass, she would faithfully watch Mass on television. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. They are so grateful for her love and wonderful example of how to live. Her love for her faith, family and friends will live on through the many lives she has touched over the years and in so many ways.

Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, in St. Benedict the Abbot Church, McMurray. Interment will be private.

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