Louise O'Brad

HOWLAND - Louise O'Brad, 98, passed away peacefully at 1:34 p.m. on Saturday April 1, 2017 at the Shepherd of the Valley Assisted Living Home. She was born in Smithton, Pennsylvania on March 20, 1919 the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Rickert) Voithofer. Her family moved to West Virginia, and in 1949 they followed work to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and then again moved to the Niles community in the 1950's. She was a member of the Mineral Ridge First United Methodist Church, an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates Fan and for many years made dolls for the Toys For Tots program. With a very friendly and generous spirit, she loved music, cooking, making big meals and entertaining with family and friends. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling. Most of all she adored her three grandchildren and cherished the time spent with her family. Louise or "Queen" to her family is survived by a son, Jerry M. O'Brad and Barbara Royce of Niles; daughter, Dr. Mary Lou (Steve) Conroy of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Leslie O'Brad, Alex Conroy, Grant Conroy and a sister, Ramona Jordan of Garden Grove, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew B. O'Brad whom she married on August 9, 1940 and who died on March 4, 2005; two sisters, Ruth Newell, Marie Krizmanich and six brothers, Glenn Voithofer, Richard Voithofer, Thomas Voithofer, Jack Voithofer, Joseph Voithofer and Bill Voithofer. There are no calling hours and a private memorial service will be held later. The family thanks the kind and compassionate care of the staff of Shepherd of the Valley in Howland and the Harbor Light Hospice. Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446