Anna Mae "Schmidt" Serenka

Anna Mae (Schmidt) Serenka, 98, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, March 11, 2026. Born November 22, 1927, to the late Frank Joseph and Elizabeth Marie Schmidt of Etna, PA. She was the sister of the late Bette Marie (the late Frank) DeSimone and Richard F. Schmidt; mother of daughters, Bette (Jack) Giran, Fran Serenka, and Sara Serenka; she leaves a legacy in her grandchildren, Addy (Mike Zydel) Giran, Adam Giran, Kate Yonko (Cory) Savit, Tia (Jason Schwartz) Serenka Yonko, Abigail Catalano (Kevin) Eagan, Duncan Catalano, MacKenzie (Alex Victor) Catalano, and Wyatt Alexander Serenka; and great-grandchildren, Gabriella Zimmerman, Jaxon Giran, Liliana Yonko, Gennaro Giran, Constantinos Savit, Benjamin Schwartz, and Leonidas Savit. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Bette Jayne Serenka, and the families of Robert Serenka from New York and Russell Serenka from California; as well as her niece and nephew, F. Charles and Michelle DeSimone.

She graduated from Shaler High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied English Literature while serving as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of General Tire in Oakland, and was a competition dance roller skater.

Anna Mae enjoyed her last 74 years as a proud resident of the Borough of West Homestead and was an avid gardener like her parents, and a still life artist from a very young age. As a young woman, she was a member of All Saints Parish of Etna, St. Anne's Church of Homestead, and Christ the Light of the World Parish of Duquesne. She was most recently a member of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.

She dedicated her life to serving others and after having three daughters, she volunteered at UPMC Braddock, local schools, the West Homestead Civic Association, St. Peter's Child Development Center, and served for years as Artist in Residence at Duquesne Catholic School. Supporting her husband and other veterans, Anna Mae was an auxiliary member of the Marine Corps League 297, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary, the Steel Valley Veterans and the Sharing and Caring Organization. She also coached cheer teams across the Northeast and at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Anna Mae reflected incredible strength and character for her girls and a few "other daughters", grandchildren, students, and the community. She taught discipline, patience, and perspective through crafting, teaching, and creating art in various media. She loved the sun and the shore, especially visiting the Carolinas with Fran and family, wintering in Florida with Bette and Jack and outings to Hilton Head Island with the Women Marines and Sara. Anna Mae also enjoyed ballroom dancing and attending the ballet, symphony, and theatre.

Arrangements entrusted to the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street Munhall, PA 15120. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, March 25, at the St. Therese of Lisieux Church of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1 St. Therese Court, Munhall, PA 15120. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Anna Mae's memory may be made to the Steel Valley Veteran's Banner Program , PO Box 124, Munhall, PA 15120 or a military organization of your choice. Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.