Catherine Monstrola

Catherine 'Kay' Monstrola, 96, of Jeannette, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at home. She was born March 31, 1928, in Herminie, a daughter of the late Alex and Anna Maruskovich Belak. Prior to her retirement, Kay was employed by the PA State Unemployment Office in Greensburg. She was a member of the Ascension Church, Jeannette. Among her interests and hobbies included her love for listening and dancing to the Polkas, which she continued doing until nearly 90 years of age. She also played the button box, bocce, and enjoyed going to flea markets. Kay was encouraging and enjoyed time reading the Bible with her family. Her favorite verses were, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.' (Ephesians 2:8-9); 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' (John 3:16). Raised in humble beginnings, Kay was always giving to others. Whether family, friend, or stranger, she joyfully gave! In addition to her parents, Kay was predeceased by her husband, Frank J. Monstrola, Jr., in 2010; brothers, Charles, Michael, Alex, George, and John Belak; and sisters, Nancy Eresh, Sophie Nocera, Julie Defenderfer, Mary Zakutney, Evelyn Curry; an infant sister; and her son-in-law, Robbie Monstrola. Kay was the beloved matriarch of five generations, beginning with her daughter, Karen Monstrola of Jeannette; granddaughters, Kelly Gunther, and Kerri Josephic, and husband, John; great-grandchildren, Cody Schropp, and wife, Daisy, Brooke Josephic, and fiance, Joseph, and Cannan Josephic; and great great-grandchildren, Delaney and Oliver, and Jasper and Alina; sisters, Ann Olesh, of Irwin, Alice Belak, of Greensburg, and Patricia Slifkey, of Jeannette; and numerous nieces and nephews. With assurance and peace in her heart, Kay told the family days before she passed, 'I am ready to go be with the Lord.' The family would like to acknowledge the excellent, compassionate care of the UPMC Hospice staff. Your help during these final days provided comfort for both Kay and the family. We are truly grateful! Jesus said, 'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me, and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.' (John 10:27-31) In respect of Kay's wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Entombment will be private.