In Memoriam

Barbara Louise Planinsek, 75, of Latrobe, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a pillar of warmth and kindness in her community. Born on Aug. 11, 1949, in Indiana, Barb was one of four children. She was a loving sister and an active member of her church. Her strong faith in God and connections to the church continued through her life. She could always be seen smiling and singing in church, spreading positivity with her creative humor wherever she went. Her quirky and funny personality shone through in everything she did. She had a passion for being active and was an athlete in college, playing on one of the first women's volleyball teams at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Barb continued to play volleyball regularly and went on to utilize her college degree to teach gym classes. Barb married Fred Planinsek on Oct. 20, 1973, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. They traveled together, often with family, to explore nature's wonders and, later in life, to golf. They both loved the outdoors. While Fred worked in the vegetable garden, Barb tended her rock garden and flower beds, creating a haven for birds that she loved to watch. Barb was the heart of her family, raising her four children with unwavering devotion and care. Her five grandchildren were her pride and joy. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was doing crafts, playing games, exploring outside, or cheering them on. Barb's deep connection and affection for her family extended beyond her own, touching the lives of friends, neighbors, and all who knew her. Barb found profound meaning and purpose in serving others, consistently donating her time and resources to causes she believed in. She loved participating in her church's weekly WELCA Quilter group and was an active member of the local BPW, Business and Professional Women of Pennsylvania. Barb's unwavering commitment to these causes, coupled with her warm smile, has left a lasting impact on her community. In addition to her husband, Barb is survived by her children, Christy Rees (Steve), Jesse Planinsek (Kristy), Luke Planinsek (Lorie), and Jacob Planinsek; her grandchildren, Xander, Holly, Kara, Wyatt, and Walter; and her siblings, Arnold Widdowson (Pat) and Lucy Wood (Jeff). Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Lois (Fyock) Widdowson; and a sister, Eleanor Kish (John). Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Members of the Latrobe Business & Professional Women will conduct a memorial service at 6 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, in the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Latrobe, with the Rev. David Clement officiating. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, reflecting Barb's commitment to cancer research and support services for patients and families. Barb's legacy of love, kindness, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Mary Ann Urban, 71, of Latrobe passed away on January 1, 2025, after an arduous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was the beloved only child of Louis and Ernestine Tua of Latrobe.
Mary Ann possessed a keen intellect and was a 1970 graduate of Greater Latrobe Senior High and a 1978 graduate of Seton Hill College, where she majored in accounting. She had a great love for people and excelled in customer service, which she showcased through her gift store, Land and Sea Creations. She loved German Shorthair Pointers and birdwatching but fiercely despised squirrels. Mary Ann thrived at hosting, especially during Christmas. For decades, she welcomed family and friends into her home in Latrobe, often transforming herself into the most convincing and entertaining Mrs. Mathilda Claus the world will ever know.
An active member of the Latrobe Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW), Mary Ann held various offices and contributed to numerous fundraising events, forming many lasting friendships. In 2018, she moved to Tennessee to be closer to her children and grandchildren. There, her passion for organizing and fundraising continued as she became a dedicated member of the Fairfield Glade Ladies Club, where she chaired the Ways and Means Committee, raising money for charitable ventures.
Mary Ann was a warrior in her fight against cancer. A long-time survivor of colon cancer, she ultimately succumbed to pancreatic cancer after displaying incredible strength and resilience.
She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, David E. Urban, originally from Mt. Pleasant, and a cherished mother to Natalie N. Orio (Anthony) of Big Sandy, TN, and James (J.P.) Urban (Sara Beth) of Nashville, TN.
She adored her grandchildren-Maurizio, Mia, and Santino Orio and James and Dominick Urban-finding immense joy in their lives and accomplishments. And she was looking forward to meeting her sixth grandchild, Charlotte Urban, who is due in April.
Mary Ann's legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and love for her family, friends, and community. Her vibrant spirit and generous heart touched all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 7503 Peavine Rd. Crossville, TN 38558 on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Reception and luncheon will follow in the church social hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fairfield Glade Ladies Club and/or the Latrobe BPW.

Linda A. Powers, 75, of Derry, passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. She was born Oct. 10, 1947, in Latrobe, a daughter of the late George E. and Irma (McCurdy) Miller. Linda loved to cook and bake for her family and was a gracious host to friends. She enjoyed gardening and volunteered for several years as a 4H leader. She was a member of the Latrobe BPW and was well-known in the real estate community, as she worked for several real estate companies. Linda is survived by her husband, Kenneth Powers, with whom she celebrated 56 years of marriage on April 22 (1967); her two daughters, Pam Szekely (Keith), of North Huntingdon, and Mary Ann Powers (also a member of Latrobe BPW); three grandchildren, Katie and Max Szekely, and Nicholas Sherrin; a brother, George E. Miller (Sandy), of Mt. Pleasant; a sister, Fay Willforth (John), of Penn Township; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jeanne E. VanHouten, 63, of Whitney passed away on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. Jeanne fought the cancer disease and most would say that is the reason for her death, but she wanted to state that it was the toxic drug treatment that put the nail in the casket. Jeanne had an enriched and lively life during which she enjoyed her family and friends along with sharing her life with several foster children. Jeanne was a lifelong learner of all types of interests with a book in her hand, an open internet, and hands-on experiences. Sons Victor and Christopher, along with husband Cecil, shared many family activities, adventures and travel. Grandson Tyler, her cherished buddy, spent their time playing games and selling at the flea markets. Velvet was her “almost” daughter and created many happy times and memories. Jeanne was a devoted employee at EHC Industries and enjoyed being able to express her positive nature through her work and with her friends. As a longtime member of Latrobe Business and Professional Women’s Club, Jeanne was past president and held every executive office. Her enthusiasm for this club helped create a fun atmosphere many members shared. In addition to her husband and children, Jeanne has two sisters, Martha Marchand of Strasburg, Virginia, and Linda Bresnock, who preceded her in death, along with a brother, Victor Marchand, and brother-in-law, John Happ, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; three nieces, a nephew, three great-nieces and a great-nephew live throughout the Virginia and Pennsylvania regions; she is also survived by cousins who are all in Connecticut where she was born, and many cats that will miss her warm lap and spoiled ways.

Geraldine H. "Geri" McCartney, 67, of Latrobe, passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. She was born April 4, 1948, in Latrobe. Prior to her retirement, Geri was employed as an elementary school teacher by the Derry Area School District for 15 years and then as an elementary school principal by the Jeannette School District for 12 years. She was very active in various community service organizations which included being a member and past president of the Latrobe Business and Professional Women's Club, Delta Kappa Gamma Upsilon and the former Quota International Club. She was also a former board member of the Greensburg YWCA and the Westmoreland Symphony Organization. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Thomas R. McCartney; her son, Thomas A. McCartney, of Latrobe; her granddaughter, Hailey Marie McCartney, of Pittsburgh. 

We lost a beautiful woman who has touched the world and many hearts.

​Mary Ann Hurite 

She was a member since 1959