Philomena Iannotta Brams

Philomena Iannotta Brams, age 78, of Scott Township, Pa, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2022.

"Phil" or fondly referred to as "Philly," was born on February 26, 1944. She was the oldest daughter of Frank & Rose Marie Iannotta (deceased) of Monessen, Pa. She was the niece of Michael Iannotta and Antonio Iannotta (deceased) also of Monessen, Pa.

Phil graduated from Monessen High School in 1962 and was actively engaged with the reunion committee for many years. She went on to get a Master's degree from George Washington University, and also studied for a Doctoral program in French at the University of Pittsburgh. Phil was a loving and devoted mother from the first day she learned she would adopt her boys. Her family will remember her for the tireless, enduring strength that she carried while raising her sons and in the years that followed. Phil prided herself in being well-rounded and teaching people about a lot of things! Professionally, she was a French teacher at Mt. Lebanon High School for 28 years. And from a personal perspective, Phil had many interests and hobbies. First, she was the family historian. We could always count on her to communicate with our Italian relatives and keep in touch with what was going on in "the old country." She wrote us "documentaries" about our Italian ancestors and collected artifacts from when they came to Ellis Island from Italy. These were designed to be able to teach our children about their Italian heritage. She had the incredible gift of speaking fluent French and Italian. She opened her home and hosted international exchange students and also chaperoned trips to France with her students. After her retirement, she was an avid community volunteer by working at the Sojourner House and Meals on Wheels on a regular basis. In essence, much of Phil's free time was spent helping people make a better life for themselves. For the last 10 years, Phil has been teaching the women at Sojourner House how to cook. The session was called "Nutrition with Miss Phil." Once a month, she brought in healthy recipes for the ladies to cook. She also brought the ingredients and sometimes even the crock pot in which it got cooked! She taught Sojourner House residents how to make food that was nutritious and helped them gain life skills as they worked to improve their quality of life.

Phil is survived by her son Andrew of Scott Township. She is preceded in death by her son Michael Brams in 2018 and former spouse, Stewart J Brams in 2021. Also surviving is her sister, Bruna Galati of Cleveland, OH, brother, Louis Iannotta (Debbie) of Monessen, PA, Sister-in-law Karin Brams Baird of Holland, MI; Brother-In-Law, Lowell Brams (Jeanette) of Lander, WY. Nieces; Angela Brown (Robert) of Twinsburg OH, Michelle Stomieroski (Brian) of North Olmsted, OH, Ginger Baird Fearey (Gavin), of Grapevine, TX; Kathryn Baird Ivy (Michael) of Goodlettsville,TN; Nephews Frank Galati (Becky) of Ottawa, KS, Geoffrey Baird (Shelley), of Glencoe, IL;. She was also a dedicated and loving "Great Aunt Phil" to great-nieces Elizabeth & Gianna, and great-nephews Joshua, Daniel, Anthony & Vincent. Many cousins, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and fond friends whom there are too many to list.

According to Phil's wishes, there will be no viewing. The family requests in lieu of flowers to please donate to Sojourner House in Phil's memory at www.sojournerhousepa.org/donate or to Meals on Wheels mealsonwheelssouthwestpa.com
Friends will be received at William Slater II Funeral Service (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd. Pittsburgh, on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 11-1. Service immediately following at the funeral home. www.slaterfuneral.com