Judith M. (Pfender) Haseleu

  Judith Marie Haseleu, known by all as “Judy,” passed away suddenly on November 5,

2024, at the age of 80. She was born on January 3, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the

loving daughter of the late Frederick J. and Norma (Cuda) Pfender. Survived by her children,

David Jr. (Bonnye), Judy, Rob, Paula, and Wayne (Rachel); her beloved grandchildren,

Matthew, Hope, Jennifer, David III, Kathleen, James, John, Dezaye, Denayah, Tyson, Dillon,

and Grace; great grandchildren, Hazel and Lily, her sister Janice (David) Koziel, as well as

numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends Bill, Darlene, and Brenda.

Preceded in death by her loving daughter Wendy, former husband David M. Haseleu Sr.,and

siblings, Frederick Pfender and Fr. Terrance Pfender, O’Carm.

Judy attended Catholic school at St. Martin’s and St. James while growing up in the

West End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended Pitt University where she attained her

associate’s degree in Administration of Justice. She worked in her younger years as a teacher

for St. Basil’s Elementary, eventually giving up her career to be home with her children. While

raising her children, Judy worked part-time as a cake decorator and instructor, a job she

enjoyed and excelled at, as well as selling Avon and Tupperware to help support her family. In

later years, she worked until retirement at St. Clair Hospital, serving in several roles through the

years including dietary, security, and pharmacy technician. She volunteered her time at various

church organizations throughout her life, serving in the choir and other various capacities,

always passionately devoted to her faith. She attended multiple churches over the years,

including St. Pius X, St. Paul’s Monastery, and several Jewish synagogues, most recently

attending Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Church in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

Judy was an intellectual spirit who was enthusiastic about faith and family. She was the

oldest of four siblings and took pride in looking after them. She often spent time with her

beloved Grandma Cuda. Judy grew up in a tight-knit community enjoying the benefits of lots of

love and support. In school she was a social butterfly, serving on the historical society and

numerous school committees. She enjoyed ice skating, dancing, singing, and participating in

school plays, often with her childhood best friend Jane. She loved school and learning, a lifelong

pursuit in her world. She was a fiercely strong, independent woman who pursued her passions

in life, never backing down from a challenge. She navigated life’s difficulties with constant faith

in God, her refuge, and her joy. She devoted much of her time to religious studies, deepening

her faith and understanding. She was a true bookworm, endless books in hand.

Judy adored her “six children and fourteen grandchildren,” as she bragged to

everybody she encountered. Her life was spent focused on all things family. Nothing made her

light up more than her grandchildren, whether with them or talking about them to others. She

attended every event possible, often the loudest voice in the crowd cheering them on. They

filled her life with love, laughter, and purpose, every memento or photo a treasure to her. Time

with family was the best time, reminiscing and making sure history was passed along through

the generations. She loved trains, cowboy movies, and all things Steelers as a devoted lifelong

Pittsburgher. She enjoyed being creative and loved history, a collector of many things.

Judy lived life on her terms and to the fullest, delighting in enjoyable conversation. No

doubt she is continuing that journey fully surrounded by the love of her Savior. She found great

comfort in her spirituality and faith and is at peace, reunited with her precious family members

once again. She will be deeply missed this side of Heaven by all that knew her. Her legacy will

live on in those she leaves behind.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11 am to 2

pm at Anthony M. Musmanno Funeral Home, located at 941 McCoy Road, McKees Rocks, PA,

15136. A service to honor her life will be held immediately following at the same location.

If you wish to honor Judy’s life, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association to

fund dementia research at this link. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

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