Dorothy Mae Paytas
Dorothy Mae (Veselich) Paytas was born on Dec. 16, 1932, and died on Oct. 3, 2021. She was the second daughter of the late John and Christina (Benec) Veselich of Jefferson Center.
Dorothy joined her five siblings in helping her parents on the farm, while they were growing up. She often told stories about the work they had to do, like planting lots and lots of onions in the spring. Dorothy was very close to her parents, especially her mother, Christina, who set a shining example of how to be a good mother and grandmother.
After high school, Dorothy decided to pursue a nursing career. She attended school in Pittsburgh, oftentimes staying with her grandmother, who lived in Pittsburgh during that time. Following graduation, Dorothy worked at Magee Hospital, and then chose to work in Butler at Colonial Gardens/Linda's Nursing Service, a home for disabled veterans in Penn Township. Dorothy worked there for more than 40 years, and had close friendships with many of the staff there, some until this day.
Dorothy attended a dance at the Jefferson Grange and met Albert Paytas. They married in 1956, and had been married for 65 years. Dorothy and Albert were both hardworking, devoted to their families and got along with everyone. Albert worked at Armco Steel and had a second full-time job, running the family farm. Dorothy supported her husband by being an excellent homemaker (making gallons of iced tea while Al and Billy bailed hay), and caring for their four children — the loves of her life.
Each of her children helped Dorothy in their own way. Kathy and Billy, who resided with Dorothy until her death, were a great help to her at home. Kathy always made sure the laundry was done, and Billy was an excellent cookie baking assistant. When Kathy and Billy were young, Dorothy fought fiercely to provide them with opportunities that sometimes were not afforded to those with special needs at that time.
Her daughter, Patty (Paytas) Salerno, continued her mother's unwavering love for the Pittsburgh Pirates by working for the team for over 30 years. Dorothy spent many happy hours at PNC Park with her children and grandchildren, watching her beloved Buccos. Her youngest daughter, Donna (Paytas) Friel, was her mother's source of strength, comfort and companionship in her later years. Donna and her mother spent her last hours together as it should have been. Dorothy's children were blessed to have her as their mother, and will miss her every day.
The greatest gift Donna ever gave her mother was her three grandchildren — her pride and joy, Joseph Friel, Tyler Friel and Christina (Friel) Nagel. Dorothy helped take care of them when they were young, while Donna and Jake were at work. Joey, Ty and Chrissy loved their “Grammy.” She spoiled them any way she could — with homemade cookies, sleepovers and gifts on all occasions, and for no special reason. Sundays were always spent at Grammy's, where she treated the entire family to a delicious, homemade meal.
Dorothy was an excellent cook, baker and gardener. She grew beautiful flowers, including lilies and spectacular mums. She planted and cared for a huge garden, canned tomatoes, froze sweet corn and grew pumpkins, all for her family to enjoy. She made delicious pies and comforting homemade chicken soup every Sunday for Al.
Dorothy was very social and loved being with others. Whether it was shopping with her daughters, having lunch with her friends or being with her immediate and extended family on holidays, Dorothy was always “ready to go.” She had a great sense of humor, and teased those she loved with affectionate nicknames and a multitude of requests (you know who you are!).
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Albert; her children, Kathy and Billy; her daughters, Patty (Gary) Salerno and Donna (Jake – Dorothy's personal chef) Friel; her grandchildren, Joseph Friel, Tyler Friel and Christina (Joe) Nagel.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Stanley (Nancy) Paytas; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Veselich; several nieces and nephews and their children, extended family in Pittsburgh, and many friends whom she met and stayed in touch with throughout her life.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her siblings, Catherine, John, Ed, Lawrence, Joe and Robert.
PAYTAS — Visitation for Dorothy Mae (Veselich) Paytas, who died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Boylan Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Connoquenessing Township, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at All Saints Parish, St. Conrad Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler, with the Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating. The family requests that anyone attending either the visitation or the Mass to wear masks for everyone's protection.
She will be laid to rest at Butler County Memorial Park.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
