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Brenda L. Gala

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | June 27, 2025

Brenda L. Gala, age 76, passed away peacefully at John J. Kane Center in McKeesport from a number of long debilitating illnesses. Born in McKeesport, the daughter of John Ulakovic and Mary (Mirek) Ulakovic, she lived the majority of her life in her birthplace, McKeesport, as well as Buena Vista and Port View. She graduated from St. Mary's Polish Elementary school, McKeesport Senior High and pursued art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Anyone who knew Brenda knows she had deep passion for two things, fishing and animals, and that dogs were the central theme throughout her life. Her favorite fishing spot was one she shared early on with her father. It is along the Youghiogheny River in Sutersville, PA. While in college, she worked at horse stables, taking people out horseback riding. She then became a Veterinarian's Assistant at which time she started going to dog shows all over the eastern half of the USA.

Over the years, she went from breeding and showing German Shepherds to Doberman Pinschers and finally to Manchester Terriers. In her mid-30's Brenda returned to school and graduated in 1983 at the top in her class as a registered nurse. She became a full-time nurse working for the VA hospitals in Pittsburgh and Aspenwall in the Long-Term Respiratory Unit. Then, after over a decade of service, she retired due to medical reasons. Her love of dogs never ebbed and over the years she experienced many high points, including awards for "Best in Group" and "Best in Specialty" and even appeared on TV during the Westminster National Dog Show in 2006 and 2007. She would often openly boast, "dogs are my life!"

Brenda had a number of other interests including cooking, swimming, following her favorite soap opera, "All of My Children", attending performances at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, and of course she was a dyed-in-the-wool horror movie fan. Back in the day, she spent her Saturday nights watching monster movies hosted by Chilly Billy on WIIC TV's Chiller Theater!

Brenda was married twice, first to Richard "Dick" Shivers and then John Gala until he died (2/4/2018). She is survived by her sister, Joan Frances Diffendal of Irwin and brother John V. Ulakovic of Oakland, CA, a niece, and a nephew.

Plans are in the works for a Celebration of Life to be held in August.

Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.

Charles A. Danforth, Supervisor

Originally published June 27, 2025.

Other deaths:
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