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LAURA DITKA Obituary
On October 15, 2018, Laura Ann Ditka, age 55, of Wexford, passed away unexpectedly. Laura was the beloved mother of Chloe Ming Ditka; the daughter of Joyceann Ditka and Ashton (Linda) Ditka; the sister of Anthony (Sam) Ditka and David W. (Molly) Ditka; and the aunt of Connor, Timothy, Lucy, and Maggie Ditka; she is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received Sunday, October 21, 2018, 12-3 and 5-8 p.m. at SIMONS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 7720 Perry Highway, www.simonsfuneralhome.com. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, 11:00 a.m., at St. John & Paul Catholic Church, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road. Contributions may be made to Gwen's Girls, www.gwensgirls.org or PAAR, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. www.paar.net.
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PEG BITTNER
October 11, 2024
It is rather ironic that remember the wonderful learning moments with Laura just happens to conincide with the opening session at the institution of higher learning where we met, Wecht Institute of Forensic Science. Each time I attend a seminar or symposium or even see the title, you come to mind first and then your enthusiastic voice that spread wisdom and confidence throughout the room. You were a gem to learn from and a great person to know. You will always have a special spot in my heart and mind
PEG BITTNER
October 11, 2019
It will be one year this week since we said good by until later to Laura. Through out this year and years to come I will be still looking for her to walk into the lecture hall with her smile and boundless energy. I know she will not show but will appear in my mind whenever I wonder, "how would Laura address this?.... With that everything is a little clearer.
November 16, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength and hope in the days ahead
nancy colangelo fardo
October 29, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Joyce you were always so caring toward everyone in high school, you passed your care onto your dear daughter.
prayer for courage and strength for you and your family
nancy colangelo fardo
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October 29, 2018
My sincere condolences to family and friends. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn, sustain your family during this difficult time - Isaiah 61:1, 2.
Maureen Sibenac
October 22, 2018
Chloe, I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. Please know that your Vincentian family loves you and is praying for you and your family.
Dennis Kemmeter
October 21, 2018
It is with great sadness that offer my condolences to my dear friend Ashton and the entire family. May Laura be remembered with love joy and happiness. May God welcome her into his kingdom and may Laura Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers to the family. God Bless. Dennis Kemmeter
Andy and Margie Tiglio
October 21, 2018
Special sorrows to Joyce and her family. No words can be expressed describing the sadness in our hearts.May Laura rest in peace and her dedication to those that she had helped live forever.
R. Mustin
October 21, 2018
I was a neighbor of Laura's soon after she returned from China with an absolutely beautiful baby girl, Chloe. She used to stroll her all through the plan. Each time I would laugh because the beautiful baby had a different outfit each time. I have followed Laura's career from the DA's Office to her position now. She was an advocate to ALL women and children. I am so very sorry for Chloe, her Mother. Father & his wife, Linda and brothers. Just know that Laura will be missed by many and always regarded as a fierce prosecutor for women and children. Rest in peace you amazing lady.
October 19, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Laura back when she was a law clerk. She had such an awesome personality. My prayers are with your family. C. Morris
Sharon (Cloonan) Cisar
October 19, 2018
Dear Joyceann, I am so very sorry for the loss of your daughter and the mother of her beautiful daughter. Joyceann, I was a student of yours back in the late 70s at the old CC-North. Your strength has always empowered me throughout the years. We met again in the early 1990s at CC-North and you remembered me immediately! Again I was impressed! Now, as I read your beloved daughter's obituary, I see that we again have another connection. Our first granddaughter was also adopted from Guangzhou back in 2008 at the tender age of 15 months and has been such a joy to our lives. Chance meetings in both of our lives have connected us more than we could have ever imagined!
Though the days ahead will be difficult, it is my prayer that in the not too distant future, your tears of sadness will be replaced by gentle smiles as you recall the beautiful life of your daughter and a life well lived.
October 18, 2018
I met This strong empowered great woman Larura through Chloe her beautiful daughter. I've empowered memories that will be with myself always. Mr.Bill
Dennis Musher
October 18, 2018
So sorry Joyceann and family. Bless you.
J. Mark Palma
October 18, 2018
To the wonderful Ditka family:
We offer our condolences to your family during your time of grief.
J. Mark Palma and Christina Drain
Wendy Gallagher
October 18, 2018
Dear Ditka family,
I met Laura many years ago while practicing in criminal court. She was an excellent attorney and a true advocate. My best memory of her is when we met up in Guanghou, China with our beautiful babies! She will be greatly missed.
Louis Emmi
October 17, 2018
I awoke early this morning to read a person I highly respected had passed. All I could think about was each time I would see her she would hug me and say how is your wife. Laura was a excellent advocate who not only pursued her cases with zeal but with compassion. An impressive woman. I will miss her
Lori Westfall
October 17, 2018
I can still remember many moons ago, how proud... JoyceAnn was when she told the CCAC community about Laura bringing home Chloe. May God bless you and your family!!
Lori Sartori. Westfall
PEG BITTNER
October 17, 2018
I met Laura at Duquesne University whenever she would be guest speaker at their Forensic Friday seminars. If a non-lawyer person every wanted to learn about crimes against children and law,Laura was the best person to learn it from. As strong as she was in the courtroom,she was that nice and caring to make sure we the unknowing understood the answer to any question that was asked. She was such an influence on myself and I know many other people in and out of profession came away a little wiser. It is going to be very hard to overcome this loss and to realize we will never have another person as great as Laura. God Bless the Ditka family during this time and into future. Laura will always be looking down on all of you.
Bill Gorman
October 17, 2018
Truly a great loss, of one of a kind caring and empathetic person. May her family find comfort in knowing how lucky we all were to know her..
David Thomson
October 17, 2018
Laura was an amazing lady, brilliant, funny, loving and empathetic. She will be missed but fondly remembered. My sympathies to the Ditka family
Julie Fana
October 17, 2018
Words can not capture what a loss this is. A friend to many, a mother to one and a fearless advocate for thousands. I will always remember you. Rest in peace. Watch over us as we continue the fight to address child abuse.
Rita Canton
October 17, 2018
Rest in peace. Your Vincentian Academy family will miss you. Love is eternal.
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