Theresa (Smarra) Schaldenbrand

Theresa Smarra Schaldenbrand, 82, of Pittsburgh, PA, peacefully passed away in her home from Alzheimer’s November 16, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Theresa was born on February 16, 1942 in Pittsburgh PA, the daughter of deceased parents Clement Smarra and Adeline Trappuzanno Smarra.  Sister of Benji Smarra (Helen) and deceased brother Clement Smarra Jr. She was a devoted and loving mother to her 3 daughters Kim Spara (Kevin), Robin Shaffer (Rick), and Kelly Falck (Rick, deceased), a cherished grandmother to her 8 grandchildren, Taylor Caldwell (Nate), Paige Spara, Jesse Spara, Derek Shaffer, Nicholas Shaffer, Madison Shaffer, Maxwell Falck, and Liam Falck, and her 3 great grandchildren, Addison Caldwell, Sonnie Caldwell, and Nalani Shaffer.

 Theresa graduated from Stowe High School in 1959, then continued on to the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, earning a cosmetology license enabling her to open her own salon while faithfully serving her clients for more than 50 years.  She took pride in her work and went above and beyond to make people feel good about themselves.

Theresa was compassionate, kind, generous, and creative.  She helped anyone in need without hesitation and expected nothing in return.  If she wasn’t styling hair or helping someone, you could find her spending many hours in her craft room, creating beautiful holiday pieces, dancing with the Steel City Boogie Club, or enjoying her “winnings” at the casino.

Family meant everything to Theresa.  She enjoyed holiday traditions, vacations, and simply being around her family.  Her contagious smile and warm hugs let her family know that life is good and everything works out in the end. Even in her 9 years of struggling with Alzheimer’s, Theresa maintained a gentle personality and gave smiles to anyone she came in contact with, especially her wonderful caregivers.

It was a privilege and an honor for her family to be able to care for her in their home. Her memory and her love will forever be in our hearts.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Anthony M. Musmanno Funeral Home Inc. 941 McCoy Road Kennedy Township, PA 15136.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday, November 22, 2024 at Church of the Nativity 33 Alice Street Pittsburgh PA, 15205.  Burial will be at St. Mark Cemetery in Kennedy Township.

If you wish to honor Theresa’s life, donations for Alzheimer’s research can be made to Grandma’s Guardian Angels:  http://act.alz.org/goto/teeteesteam

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