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Barbara A. Hoak

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | August 22, 2022

Barbara A. Hoak, 80, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2022 at home. She was born February 4, 1942 in Dravosburg and was the daughter of the late Hilary L. Baker, Sr. and Helen (Wisser) Baker. Barbara was a member of The Bryn Mawr Church of Christ and was the top of her class in nursing school. She had previously worked as a secretary for several doctors offices and in advertising for Wonder Sales. Barbara was the best wife and mother and a doting grandmother. She had a passion for theatre and was a tremendous cook and baker, she was known for her fudge, applesauce fruit cake, pumpkin pies, orange cookies and potato soup, to name a few of her family's favorites. She enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and traveling. She had crossed country to San Diego on a train, visited Niagara Falls and loved going on rides to see fall foliage at Ohiopyle, Bedford and Ligonier. A special passion for Barbara was also rescuing elephants through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gerald E. Hoak, Sr.; daughter, Jane Pilch of Boston, MA; sons, Gerald (Angela) Hoak Jr. of South Park and Gary (Susan) Hoak of Liberty Boro; grandchildren, Cassandra, Christopher, Rebecca, Timothy, Sarah, Amanda and Ryan; great-granddaughter, Clara Ann; sister, Marlyne (the late Peter) Lotz; brother, Hilary (the late Janet) Baker Jr.; brothers-in-law, Robert (Donna) Hoak and Greg Hoak; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, June (the late James) Gouker and Maxine (Larry) Page. Friends are welcome on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Gilbert Funeral Home on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 11:00 am with Pastor Charles Owston, officiating. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made to a cause very dear to Barbara at The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ or by mail at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA, 25283 Cabot Road Suite 101, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published August 22, 2022.

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