Hope H. Horst

Hope H. Horst, 98, died March 1, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Greensburg in 1926, Hope was the daughter of the late David and Daphne (Rumball) Hunter. Upon graduation from Allegheny College, Hope was a lab technician for The DuPont Institute for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. She later returned to the Pittsburgh area and worked in the lab at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. A blind date in 1954 resulted in her marriage to the late Ralph L. Horst, Jr. They resided in New Kensington and were blessed with three children. Hope had a passion to be of service to others, volunteering as a member of the Gray Ladies in the 1960's to provide polio vaccines to children. Hope was a proponent of childhood vaccinations for protection from lifelong complications from highly infectious diseases. She was honored for her volunteer hours with Citizens General Hospital and Garden Club leadership. With her strong faith in God, she was also active in her church, as a choir member and Altar Guild at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and later at St. Thomas Memorial Episcopal Church in Oakmont. A special highlight of Hope's life was being a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic education organization for women. During her 65 years of membership, Hope served in leadership roles and met many lifelong friends. While her children were young, Hope decided to return to school and earned a teaching degree from Seton Hill University in Greensburg. She taught Home Economics at Deer Lakes Jr. High School and later as a substitute teacher at various local schools. Hope enjoyed lifelong learning and travel and joined her husband on Mendelssohn Choir trips to Europe as well as many trips offered by Road Scholar. Hope continued her life of faith and service after moving to Longwood at Oakmont at the age of 84, including being part of a knitting group that was featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for their actions to provide sweaters and hats to children in need nationally and internationally. In addition to her parents and husband, Hope was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Hunter, and her dear friend and companion, Rev. Gilbert Watt. She is survived by her children, Susan (Gomaa) Aly, David (Lisa) Horst, and Tori (Jimmy) Hill, and three grandchildren, John Horst, Taylor Horst, and Kevin Aly. Blessed with a beautiful heart and caring spirit, she will be missed by all who knew her. A memorial service in celebration of Hope's life will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 11 AM at Longwood at Oakmont's Chapel, 500 Route 909 (Hulton Rd.) Verona, PA. The family asks that memorials be made to either the P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312, or St. Thomas Memorial Episcopal Church, 378 Delaware Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139.
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