Dr. Arlene Loeffler

Dr. Mary "Arlene" Loeffler, longtime resident and dedicated servant of the Oakmont community, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of education, professional excellence, civic leadership, and devotion to family. Born to Claire and Edward Sullivan in Washington, DC, in 1939, Arlene moved to Oakmont with family as a young child. Following her graduation from Sacred Heart High School, Arlene married Robert "Lefty" Loeffler, and together they raised three children Megan, Lory, and Gregg. A gifted educator and dependable medical professional, Arlene earned her nursing degree at St. Francis Hospital's School of Nursing, where she trained to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She later went on to complete both a master's in education and a Ph.D. in administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Arlene's career in anesthesia spanned decades. She first taught and practiced at St. Francis Hospital, serving nearly 30 years as Director of its School of Anesthesia. When the hospital closed, she became Director of the School of Anesthesia at LaRoche College. She finished her esteemed career as Professor of Nurse Anesthesia at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Nursing and at Magee Women's Hospital. Beyond her numerous professional accomplishments, Arlene committed much of her life to public service. She was a longtime member and one-time chair of the Oakmont Democratic Committee and was recently recognized for her 40 years of service by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. She was extremely honored to be elected and to serve an unprecedented 36 consecutive years as a Riverview School District Director. Arlene also represented Riverview on several regional educational boards, including two decades as board officer to Forbes Career & Technical Center and as representative to the Sunrise School in Monroeville for students with severe disabilities. Arlene was a faithful parishioner of St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, where she served as a lector and choir member. She was also active in the Verona Women's Club and the Rotary Club. Through the Rotary's program, she eagerly welcomed several foreign exchange students into her home. She looked forward each year to attending the Old Dominion 100-Mile Race as a medical volunteer. Affectionately known as "Mummyeen" to many, she and Lefty "PapPap" hosted multiple generations of family and friends at their backyard pools in Oakmont, where Mummyeen supplied popsicles and Little Debbie's desserts to all. Arlene was passionate about all things Ireland, especially Celtic music and dancing, sewing, fiddling in her garden, playing cards with her friends known as the "Instant Party Group," brunching with her ladies from church, and reminiscing with her former nursing colleagues and students. She enjoyed her travels all over the world, as well as her many trips to Virginia and Myrtle Beach, SC, to visit her family. Mummyeen was exceptionally proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose photos she showed to everyone she encountered. She was preceded in death by her parents; her supportive husband of nearly 50 years, Robert E. "Lefty" Loeffler; her beloved sons-in-law, Curtis Young and Mike Hendrix; and her cherished granddaughter, Madison Young. She is survived by her children, Megan Hendrix, Lory Young Truschel (William), and Gregg Loeffler (Debbie); grandchildren, Julie (Derek), Kerry, Caitlin (Jordan), Taylor "T.C." (Jacqueline), Blythe (Charles), Anneliese, Jude, Rachel (Matt), Krista (Stephen), and Gretchen; and great-grandchildren, Sutton, Hendrix, Maris, Stellan, Palmer, Cameron, Loeffler, Cal, Welles, Betta, Kashton, Leighton, Taytum, and Ruair . She is also survived by her sisters, Colleen Kerrigan (the late James) and Patricia Botts (the late Wayne); sisters-in-law, Sue Flanagan and Mary Lee Brown; and her exchange student, Maria Alejandro Pantaleo, who visited from Venezuela and became family; as well as her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her wonderfully stubborn nature and generous spirit will be missed by countless extended family members, lifelong friends, caring "assistants," former students, and the greater Oakmont community. Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES INC., at 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Holy Family Parish - St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Oakmont. Burial will follow at The Verona Cemetery in Oakmont. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Arlene's memory to the Oakmont-Verona Cemetery, 647 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139.