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Lillian Gwosden

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 30, 2026

Lillian Gwosden, 103, born September 24, 1922, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and strength. Lillian was born in Export, Pennsylvania, and raised in Braddock. The devoted daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Tomscanyi) Rezzarday. She was married for 72 years to her beloved husband, the late John “Boots” Gwosden. Together, they built a life rich in family, hard work, and shared memories that will be cherished for generations.
She was the deeply loved mother of Sandie McLaughlin and her husband, Dr. Frank McLaughlin, and the late Randy Gwosden and his wife, Rebecca Banyasz Gwosden. A proud and devoted grandmother to Kelly Headrick (Adam), Daniel McLaughlin (Amy), Kerry Pringle (Michael), Matthew Bacco (Ryan), Brianna Shanty (Matthew), and Brett Gwosden (Leeza). Lillian was the treasured great-grandmother, “Grammie,” to Bailey, Riley, Bryce, and Macie McLaughlin; Kylie and Kenzie Pringle; Carson Bacco; Nolan, Brooks, and Morgan Shanty; as well as Eli and Myles Gwosden. The sister of Captain Joseph Rezzarday and his late wife, Cecelia; her late sisters, Frances Henderson (Tom) and Irene Slahor (John); and aunt to many nieces and nephews.

A proud member of the “Greatest Generation,” Lillian grew up during the Great Depression and learned early that hard work, education, and faith were the foundations of a meaningful life.
She valued simplicity and gratitude, especially when it came to food and family meals. She often shared stories of how her family once struggled to put food on the table, reminding everyone that the meal of the day mattered. She famously believed that eating “mother’s oats” made you smart-and she lived as proof of that belief.
Lillian possessed an extraordinary memory. She remembered names, dates, times, and details with astonishing clarity and delighted in sharing stories of her life, her friends, and her family. If you forgot something or remembered it differently Lillian was always there to gently remind you exactly how it happened.
She was a lifelong learner and educator at heart, always encouraging others to study, read, and grow. Lillian demonstrated unwavering, unselfish concern for others, never hesitating to put their needs ahead of her own. She loved reading, especially about medical, financial, and business topics, and was endlessly curious and fascinated by astrology and reflexology.
Lillian was remarkably self-sufficient and wore many hats throughout her life: carpenter, plumber, electrician, mason, seamstress, cook, designer, nurse, educator, business owner, financial advisor, and so much more. She truly wanted to be everything to everybody and in so many ways, she was. Before marriage, she worked many jobs, including as a nanny, in a laundromat, and at Westinghouse Coporation . To Lillian, work was never a burden, it was a joy.
For over 50 years, Lillian was the co-owner and operator of the Traveler’s Rest Motel in Markleysburg, Pennsylvania. She devoted much time and effort to providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for her many patrons, some from far and distant places around the world. She was known to learn different languages so she could communicate with those who stayed at the motel, and many kept in touch with her after returning to their home countries.
Above all, Lillian was a warm, loving, and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She lived her faith quietly but deeply, striving to show love, compassion, and generosity in all she did. Her life was a gift, and her example will continue to guide those who loved her.
We thank the Lord for the 103 years we were blessed to share with her and for the profound wisdom she leaves behind. Though our hearts are heavy, we carry her light forward grateful, inspired, and forever changed by her love.
We express our gratitude to her compassionate and attentive physician, Dr. David Harinstein and to the staff at UPMC McKeesport.
All services were private, and entombment took place at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published January 30, 2026.

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