Dotty Jean Washowich

Dotty Jean “Jean” Washowich, 90, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, just days after celebrating her 90th birthday surrounded by the friends and family who loved her dearly.

Jean was born on February 27, 1936, in Flaherty, Kentucky. It was there that she met the love of her life, the late Mayor Lou Washowich. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and lasting friendships. In 1962, they moved back to the city of McKeesport, where Jean would spend many cherished years raising her family and becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the community.

Jean was an avid reader who could often be found with a book in hand. She also had a deep love for Pittsburgh sports and rarely missed a chance to cheer on her favorite teams. More than anything, Jean treasured her family and the time she spent with them.

Jean deeply valued the friendships in her life that grew into family, especially her lifelong friends, Donna Isbir and George Ann Chuckla, whose companionship and support meant so much to her over the years.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael L. Washowich and his wife Missy Washowich, and Matthew Washowich and his wife Jen Washowich and Payton. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Taylor Gates and her husband Mark Gates, Haley Craze and her husband Euel Craze, and Lacey Washowich. Jean was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Gracie Gates and Kendall Craze, who brought her tremendous joy.

She is also survived by four siblings in Kentucky: Jimmy, Doris, Eddie and Frankie.

Jean will be remembered for her warmth, her love of family and friends, her passion for reading, and the pride she had in her hometown teams. Her legacy lives on in the family and friendships she cherished and the many memories they shared together.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Friends and family are welcome on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral service and inurnment at McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery will be private. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com