Dorothy M. "Dotty" (Jenks) Hudak

Lifelong resident of Forest Hills, age 91, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Born on November 29, 1932 to the late Glenn B. Jenks and the late Dorothy H. (McKinley) Jenks.

Dotty was the beloved wife of the late John A. Hudak, Jr., with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring partnership of 49 years.

Loving mother of Kathleen J. (Howard) Schostack of Montclair, NJ, John A. Hudak, III of Tucson, AZ, and Mary T. (Gregory) Marchetti of Pittsburgh, PA.

Dotty’s legacy of love continues through her cherished grandchildren, Sarah Jane (Steven) Schostack-Moore, Madeline (Nate Rooney) Barnes Hudak, Emily Schostack, and Abraham (Hannah) Hudak.

Dear sister of the late Frances (late George) Pleskovitch and the late Rev. Glenn (surviving spouse, Sue) Jenks. Dotty is pre-deceased by her beloved sister-in-law, Nancy “Scotty” Jenks. Dear aunt of Gregory (Nancy) Pleskovitch, Elizabeth Pleskovitch, Christie (Kevin) Schwalbe, and Michael (Leah) Jenks.

A proud graduate of Wilkinsburg High School and a 1954 graduate of the St. Francis School of Nursing, Dotty’s professional journey as a Registered Nurse was marked by compassion and excellence. Her career began at St. Francis Hospital, where she not only honed her skills as a nurse, but also met her future husband, John, while he was under her care. After dedicating years to raising her family, Dotty returned to her calling in 1976, working most of her career at Forbes Metro Hospital.

Dotty’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout Catholic, she was a pillar of St. Maurice Church. There, she formed the local organization of Ladies of Charity in 1982. In addition to participating in various church activities, Dotty initiated and organized the annual Disabilities Mass to include members of the Church with both physical and mental disabilities. Dotty extended her generosity to the broader community, volunteering for the Sisters of Mercy and the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. In addition, she proudly served as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of Ladies of Charity and was a member of the Resurrection Choir at St. Maurice.

Her unwavering kindness, generous spirit, and nurturing love have left an indelible mark on the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched through her work and volunteerism. Dotty credited her long life to "a cup of coffee in the morning, a cup of tea in the afternoon, wine with dinner, and a glass of whiskey before bed." This philosophy exemplified her zest for life and her ability to find joy in the everyday.

Friends are welcome Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Maurice Church of St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110.