Ann C. (Noroski) Korpiel

A beloved mother and pillar of her Catholic community, Ann Catherine Korpiel, 94, affectionately known to many as “Grandma Ann,” peacefully passed away on October 14, 2024 at home with family by her side while faithfully holding her blessed Medjugorje rosary beads.

Ann lit up every room with her charm, exquisite fashion style, and undeniably quick wit. She was the heart and soul of her family, neighborhood, and circles of friends. Ann’s listening ear and witty, sage advice made her a confidante to many. She will be dearly missed.

Born on August 8,1930 in Munhall PA, the youngest child of Stanley and Veronica (Shalkoski) Noroski, Annie was a daddy’s girl and very proud of her Polish roots. She adored her brothers, Robert and David, and loved her sisters, Dorothy and Evie. Her bond with her nieces, nephews and cousins was loving and unbreakable.

While captain of the cheerleading squad at Munhall High School, member of the National Honor Society, and lead actress in the school plays, Ann dreamed of a life in New York City working in the radio industry. However, after high school, she began working as a telephone operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad — still remembering almost all of the phone numbers into her nineties! One day under the PRR rotunda, with the help of the clerk at the newsstand, she was introduced to a fellow coworker, Walter Korpiel, and they fell in love. They were married in 1953, and very quickly, the happy couple became a family of seven. She and Walt raised five independent and faith-filled adults who went on to make her grandmother extraordinaire to 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ann was truly happiest when she was spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the stars in her eyes. Described by them as funny, sassy, thoughtful, and big time Catholic, Grandma Ann showered them with hugs and her presence as she traveled near and far to visit them. She was a loving mother and grandmother who spent hours cooking homemade pierogis, golumpki, apple pies (once with cups of salt instead of sugar) and her specialties: chocolate chip cookies and her legendary pizzelles. She always—ALWAYS—made sure there were fresh homemade cookies in the house for everyone who visited. She even made sure she brought fresh homemade cookies to the Pirate broadcasters before each game that she attended. And she never missed a Pirate game on TV. She was a true longtime fan.

Not one to sit still, Annie, as one of the earliest members of the newly formed Our Lady of Grace Parish, served on the Parish Council and Women’s Guild and volunteered for nearly every church event. She was honored with the Diocesan Manifesting the Kingdom Award in 2013. She also worked at WQED and Slater Funeral Home well into her eighties. She found joy in watching the birds from her sunroom, tending her gorgeous flower garden, and reading her prayer books.

But the most important aspect of her life was her Catholic faith and devotion to the Lord. Daily Mass, and then later, daily recitation of the rosary, were a must, along with the recitation of the Memorare and Grandchildren’s Prayer. Family was important, but everyone knew Christ was number one in her life. She was a true living example of unwavering faith.

Before she passed, Annie made it known that she wanted everyone to share a laugh and raise a glass (preferable of single malt scotch) in celebration of her journey home.

Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Walter, and her young grandson Daniel Harrison. She is survived by children Thomas Korpiel of McMurray and companion Peggy O’Connell; Susan Regan and husband Steve of Gibsonia; Beth Harrison and husband Fred of Florida; Dr. Michael Korpiel and wife Debbie of California; David Korpiel and wife Tammy of New York; and her beautiful and loving grandchildren, Craig, Kelly, Bobby, Emily, Allison, Annie, Natalie, Luke, Julie, William, Erin, Michael, Ben, Megan and many beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Korpiel families are eternally grateful to all the neighbors and friends who watched over and helped Ann the past 20 years. Their selfless acts of kindness will never be forgotten. A very special thanks to Ann’s caregivers and hospice medical team. The family is grateful for their gift of compassion and extraordinary care.

Family and friends welcome Friday, October 18, 2024 from 2:00 - 7:05 pm, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220. Funeral mass Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Grace Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Swallow Hill Rd., Scott Twp.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Michael the Archangel Parish, 311 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 or to Pirates Charities, 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or search “Pirates Charities’.

www.slaterfuneral.com