Jan 23, 2022

Carole Gerstacker Wallach, 82, of McMurray, died suddenly on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the Grand Residence in Upper St. Clair, Pa.

Born on April 30, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Ann Durhamer and William Gerstacker.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David Wallach; and by their children, Beth Wallach, Dan (Joyce) Wallach, and Deb (Joe) Busche. Also survived by her sister, Marcia Anselmo; sister-in-law, Paula Eppinger; grandchildren, Kaitlin, Jonathan, Christine, Jackson, Damien and Dennis (step), and great-grandchildren, Ty, Michael and Brayden.

Carole and David had been married for almost 60 years, and were always together, with David at her side through Carole’s many life-threatening illnesses. She survived the Asian flu, tuberculosis, being bitten by a rabid bat, and a disease so rare that her case was presented at a national medical conference.

Carole and David traveled the world together, fulfilling Carole’s dream of visiting all seven continents and all five oceans.

Carole had a lifelong passion for the performing arts, especially ballet. She started ballet lessons in childhood, and opened her own ballet school at 15. She attended Julliard as a dance major, and had her last performance at age 63. She was still dancing from her wheelchair at the end of her life.

Carole loved school, and did well at it. She was a pre-med major in college, graduating with honors from Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She transitioned to psychology, earning her master’s degree and, eventually, her PhD. As a psychologist Carole helped countless clients through 50 plus years of practice. While pursuing her career in psychology and her hobby of ballet, she found time to be a loving wife and mother of three.

Carole was an enthusiastic convert to Judaism, and was an active officer in the Junior Congregation of Rodef Shalom. In the last years of her life she also enjoyed coloring, and wearing purple head to toe. Carole loved cats, and had 31 wonderful, mostly stray, cats over her lifetime.

Donations in Carole’s memory can be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty Four, PA 15330. Per Carole’s wishes, her body is being donated for scientific research.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. Please email bethwallach1964@gmail.com to be informed of details once it is scheduled. Family, friends, and former clients will be welcome.