Cynthia Anne (Patterson) LaPietra

Of Level Green, PA, formerly of Forest Hills and Wilkins Township, passed on peacefully to her eternal reward in Heaven on June 1, 2026. Cynthia was the loving wife of fifty-four years of the Reverend Gary LaPietra of Faith Bible Baptist Church in Wilkins Township, PA. In addition to Pastor LaPietra, Cynthia is survived by her daughters, Laura (Daniel) Murcek, of Penn Township, PA, and Rebecca (Jason) Nagorski, of North Huntingdon, PA; her grandchildren, Timothy (Nicole) Murcek, Joel (Reshmi) Murcek, Isabella Nagorski, Victoria Nagorski, and Joshua Nagorski; her brothers, John (Carol) Patterson and Chris Patterson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, Cynthia leaves behind a wide circle of close friends and a loving church family from Faith Bible.

 Cynthia was a graduate of Churchill High School and a proud member of the Churchill Area High School Choir. After marrying Gary LaPietra of Churchill, she helped found Faith Bible Baptist Church in 1974 and faithfully served as Pastor LaPietra’s wife in that ministry until her passing. Additionally, Cynthia taught a wide array of K-9th grade classes and curriculum (but was primarily known for being an English Teacher) at Faith Christian School for a tenure of thirty-five years until the school’s closing in 2013. Hundreds of students passed under Cynthia’s tutelage throughout the course of that period.

 Mrs. LaPietra’s primary calling and vocation, however – and one she executed zealously and effectively – was that of being a wife, mother, and grandmother. As a pastor’s wife, she supported the work of Faith Bible both from behind the scenes as well as in the trenches. She graciously ministered in numerous capacities and adeptly upheld the administrative needs of the church for over five decades. Her crowning accomplishment was her family, which she cherished dearly. She continuously and courageously exemplified strong Christian womanhood for her daughters and grandchildren through each and every season of life. She was excited when two of her grandchildren married in 2024 and was thrilled when the matrimonial expansion of the family tent resulted in her grandson’s wives endearingly calling her “Grandma”. So intrinsically tied was her life with that of her family that her granddaughter’s graduation from high school coincided almost to the day of Cynthia’s own graduation to glory.

 But above all things, Cynthia’s first love and most prized possession was her Lord Jesus Christ. She relentlessly sought to glorify Him who saved her soul in every aspect of her life here on earth, even attesting to His wonderful Name from a bed of severe affliction over the last eight months of her earthly pilgrimage. Cynthia’s legacy is one of ardent Christian devotion and sincere and heartfelt Christian service. She was a pillar of security and a lighthouse of consistent hope to storm-tossed souls. While we mourn our loss, we rejoice that she has secured her inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled, and that she has finally heard the Lord’s long anticipated approbation, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

 We love you, Mom, and we confidently look forward to seeing you again in the presence of our great God.

All are welcome to attend visitation on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Faith Bible Baptist Church, 150 Curry Ave, Turtle Creek, PA 15145, where a Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m.

Following the service, Cynthia will be laid to rest in Church Hill Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent for Faith Bible Baptist Church, Cynthia’s life-long ministry.

Arrangements entrusted to Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, Turtle Creek, PA 15145, (412) 823-9350.